April 1, 2026

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief M K Stalin on Tuesday launched his campaign for the April 23 Assembly elections from Tiruvarur, taking sharp aim at the AIADMK and the BJP-led NDA while positioning the elections as a contest between the state and the Centre.Introducing candidates of the DMK and its allies, Stalin alleged that the NDA’s objective was to undermine Tamil Nadu’s progress. “This is the purpose of the NDA alliance. The BJP, which leads the NDA, has bought the AIADMK because they do not have the strength to oppose us in Tamil Nadu,” he said, according to PTI.Escalating his attack, he added, “NDA is in TN to lose, the Assembly polls is a fight between Tamil Nadu and Delhi-NDA.” Stalin also criticised AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of lacking vision and alleging that the BJP had reduced the AIADMK to a “slave alliance” by “intimidating” its leadership.After addressing the rally, Stalin walked through the streets of Tiruvarur, interacting with residents and seeking their support for the upcoming polls.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 MediaVideos’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar WorldIndia Eyes Global Semiconductor Leadership As PM Modi Launches ₹3,300 Crore Gujarat Plant Initiative’I Want To See India A Super Power By…’: Ex-Tennis Star Leander Paes Joins BJP Before Bengal Polls123PhotostoriesUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistIPL 2026: How Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma met his wife Pratima Singh: From sport stars to parents5 things to know before entering an age-gap relationshipNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe5 high-protein burgers you can easily make at home and tips to maximize nutritionRussia, Uzbekistan and countries named after famous figures123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief M K Stalin on Tuesday launched his campaign for the April 23 Assembly elections from Tiruvarur, taking sharp aim at the AIADMK and the BJP-led NDA while positioning the elections as a contest between the state and the Centre.Introducing candidates of the DMK and its allies, Stalin alleged that the NDA’s objective was to undermine Tamil Nadu’s progress. “This is the purpose of the NDA alliance. The BJP, which leads the NDA, has bought the AIADMK because they do not have the strength to oppose us in Tamil Nadu,” he said, according to PTI.Escalating his attack, he added, “NDA is in TN to lose, the Assembly polls is a fight between Tamil Nadu and Delhi-NDA.” Stalin also criticised AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of lacking vision and alleging that the BJP had reduced the AIADMK to a “slave alliance” by “intimidating” its leadership.After addressing the rally, Stalin walked through the streets of Tiruvarur, interacting with residents and seeking their support for the upcoming polls.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 MediaVideos’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar WorldIndia Eyes Global Semiconductor Leadership As PM Modi Launches ₹3,300 Crore Gujarat Plant Initiative’I Want To See India A Super Power By…’: Ex-Tennis Star Leander Paes Joins BJP Before Bengal Polls123PhotostoriesUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistIPL 2026: How Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma met his wife Pratima Singh: From sport stars to parents5 things to know before entering an age-gap relationshipNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe5 high-protein burgers you can easily make at home and tips to maximize nutritionRussia, Uzbekistan and countries named after famous figures123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week


Tamil Nadu polls: Stalin kicks off campaign with emotional pitch, targets AIADMK-BJP

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief M K Stalin on Tuesday launched his campaign for the April 23 Assembly elections from Tiruvarur, taking sharp aim at the AIADMK and the BJP-led NDA while positioning the elections as a contest between the state and the Centre.Introducing candidates of the DMK and its allies, Stalin alleged that the NDA’s objective was to undermine Tamil Nadu’s progress. “This is the purpose of the NDA alliance. The BJP, which leads the NDA, has bought the AIADMK because they do not have the strength to oppose us in Tamil Nadu,” he said, according to PTI.Escalating his attack, he added, “NDA is in TN to lose, the Assembly polls is a fight between Tamil Nadu and Delhi-NDA.” Stalin also criticised AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of lacking vision and alleging that the BJP had reduced the AIADMK to a “slave alliance” by “intimidating” its leadership.After addressing the rally, Stalin walked through the streets of Tiruvarur, interacting with residents and seeking their support for the upcoming polls.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

The sudden news of Hard Rock Cafe shutting in India has left many disappointed and confused, wondering what kind of a blow it would be for the rock music culture, especially in Bengaluru, once the heavy metal capital of India.”Hard Rock comes with a whole legacy — the history of rock and the merchandise of the greatest rock stars. That creates an ecosystem, and it’s sad that we might have to lose that here,” says Sanjeev Thomas, a musician and the founder of Rainbow Bridge School of Music. “A dedicated venue for a certain genre is rare and we need such venues for independent music to thrive.”While staff at the Hard Rock franchise on St Mark’s Road have told the TOI that they are continuing the operations and their legal team is handling the termination of contract, locations for all cafes in India seem to have been pulled down from the official website of Hard Rock International. Elvis & the temple of rockIn 2023, Shashaank Abraham, 35, lead of the band ‘Return to Sender’, made his debut as an Elvis Presley tribute artiste at Hard Rock Cafe on St Mark’s Road. Calling it a paradise for all music lovers, he says, the band has always had a great crowd at the cafe. “When you want a good quality band, especially for tribute shows, everyone thinks of Hard Rock. No other venue does tribute shows as well and consistently as Hard Rock.”The rock ‘n’ roll band has been performing there on Elvis’ birth and death anniversaries. “There’s a framed Elvis shirt with a missing button. He gave that shirt to someone to mend but never took it back; that has now come to the Hard Rock Cafe here. Just putting my hand on that case gives me some inspiration and courage. Then I look at the other artistes — the Beatles, an Eric Clapton’s guitar, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Michael Jackson,” he says. “I think we’ll be losing a huge chunk of music history if the Hard Rock Cafe in India ceases to exist.”‘New avenues will emerge'”Back in the day, Bengaluru was known almost exclusively for rock music. If you wanted to hear it, you had to go to MG Road or Brigade Road. Now, people in Indiranagar or Kammanahalli have their own local venues and don’t feel the need to travel across town. This variety is a good thing,” says Arpan Peter, 39, founder of the India Jazz Project.Arpan began his career as a heavy metal promoter, bringing legendary acts such as Lamb of God, Children of Bodom, Opeth, Meshuggah and Gojira to India. He says while one iconic venue may be closing, Bengaluru is gaining a 22,000-square-foot Piano Man Jazz Club. “A majority of Hard Rock’s programming in recent years was heavily cover-based. But if it shuts down, it won’t cause a seismic shift in the music scene.”Keeping the lights on Bengaluru was once regarded as the heavy metal capital of India. “The city is also home to a deep-rooted classic rock culture, once kept alive by bars like Purple Haze and Styx, and continued by Pecos. We also saw a massive surge in nu-metal and alternative rock in the early 2000s… the fact that 45,000 people turned up for Linkin Park proves that the demand in this part of the country is still immense,” says Abhijith A Bhat, founder of Zero Gravity Festival and who goes by the artiste name Psy Didge. He points out that local rock music is also thriving. “Gigs of Thaikkudam Bridge, Raghu Dixit Project, Avial, Agam or Pineapple Express sell out very fast.”Pecos Pub has been playing recorded classic rock music for over three decades. Liam Timms, director, Pecos Hotels and Pubs Limited, says rock music always existed in Bengaluru and to date, their playlist is entirely managed by the customers. “People write and give their requests on napkins or sheets of paper,” he says. “Classic rock is evergreen and people of all generations appreciate it.”Rock’s navigating challengesMany artistes are aware of the reality that rock music is not mainstream anymore like it was in the 90s or early 2000s, and are shifting their choices. Abhijith says everything has shifted to electronic music or techno now. “There are not many new rock bands that have come up after the ’90s. I have been on both sides of the table. I was an active part of the rock music scene a decade ago and at present, I have electronic music projects.”Siddhartha Baja, founder of Freedom Jam, an over 30-year-old initiative that provides free platforms for musicians to perform live, says the response for rock commercially is less than what it was a couple of years ago. “Even when greats like Deep Purple had returned to the town, the turnout was lesser than earlier. Comparatively, younger bands like Linkin Park have done much better, but in absolute numbers the audience is a lot smaller than for a singer from the film industry.”Siddhartha says budget could possibly a big factor for shrinking venues for live or rock music — as most venues don’t think of music as the main attraction and hence, don’t spend much on the setup and artistes. Also, managing a band is tough compared to a solo artist. “A band will have at least 10 to 12 members. Managing a big group is always a challenge, and people are also not able to hold a band together for a long time. That is why they are shifting to an easier way of producing music — having a computer rather than a big band,” says Abhijit.Shashaank says the new generation is more interested in EDM. “Even the concept of a guitar solo has slowly disappeared in modern music,” he rues. “But there are still die-hard fans who have an appreciation for rock. That will never go away. Hard Rock is always packed. The need to keep these rock shows and venues alive is more important than ever because the new generation needs to discover what rock music is all about.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar WorldIndia Eyes Global Semiconductor Leadership As PM Modi Launches ₹3,300 Crore Gujarat Plant Initiative’I Want To See India A Super Power By…’: Ex-Tennis Star Leander Paes Joins BJP Before Bengal PollsFrom Naxal Charge To Owaisi Praise: Shah’s Top 7 Shock Moments123PhotostoriesUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistIPL 2026: How Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma met his wife Pratima Singh: From sport stars to parents5 things to know before entering an age-gap relationshipNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe5 high-protein burgers you can easily make at home and tips to maximize nutritionRussia, Uzbekistan and countries named after famous figures123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

The sudden news of Hard Rock Cafe shutting in India has left many disappointed and confused, wondering what kind of a blow it would be for the rock music culture, especially in Bengaluru, once the heavy metal capital of India.”Hard Rock comes with a whole legacy — the history of rock and the merchandise of the greatest rock stars. That creates an ecosystem, and it’s sad that we might have to lose that here,” says Sanjeev Thomas, a musician and the founder of Rainbow Bridge School of Music. “A dedicated venue for a certain genre is rare and we need such venues for independent music to thrive.”While staff at the Hard Rock franchise on St Mark’s Road have told the TOI that they are continuing the operations and their legal team is handling the termination of contract, locations for all cafes in India seem to have been pulled down from the official website of Hard Rock International. Elvis & the temple of rockIn 2023, Shashaank Abraham, 35, lead of the band ‘Return to Sender’, made his debut as an Elvis Presley tribute artiste at Hard Rock Cafe on St Mark’s Road. Calling it a paradise for all music lovers, he says, the band has always had a great crowd at the cafe. “When you want a good quality band, especially for tribute shows, everyone thinks of Hard Rock. No other venue does tribute shows as well and consistently as Hard Rock.”The rock ‘n’ roll band has been performing there on Elvis’ birth and death anniversaries. “There’s a framed Elvis shirt with a missing button. He gave that shirt to someone to mend but never took it back; that has now come to the Hard Rock Cafe here. Just putting my hand on that case gives me some inspiration and courage. Then I look at the other artistes — the Beatles, an Eric Clapton’s guitar, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Michael Jackson,” he says. “I think we’ll be losing a huge chunk of music history if the Hard Rock Cafe in India ceases to exist.”‘New avenues will emerge'”Back in the day, Bengaluru was known almost exclusively for rock music. If you wanted to hear it, you had to go to MG Road or Brigade Road. Now, people in Indiranagar or Kammanahalli have their own local venues and don’t feel the need to travel across town. This variety is a good thing,” says Arpan Peter, 39, founder of the India Jazz Project.Arpan began his career as a heavy metal promoter, bringing legendary acts such as Lamb of God, Children of Bodom, Opeth, Meshuggah and Gojira to India. He says while one iconic venue may be closing, Bengaluru is gaining a 22,000-square-foot Piano Man Jazz Club. “A majority of Hard Rock’s programming in recent years was heavily cover-based. But if it shuts down, it won’t cause a seismic shift in the music scene.”Keeping the lights on Bengaluru was once regarded as the heavy metal capital of India. “The city is also home to a deep-rooted classic rock culture, once kept alive by bars like Purple Haze and Styx, and continued by Pecos. We also saw a massive surge in nu-metal and alternative rock in the early 2000s… the fact that 45,000 people turned up for Linkin Park proves that the demand in this part of the country is still immense,” says Abhijith A Bhat, founder of Zero Gravity Festival and who goes by the artiste name Psy Didge. He points out that local rock music is also thriving. “Gigs of Thaikkudam Bridge, Raghu Dixit Project, Avial, Agam or Pineapple Express sell out very fast.”Pecos Pub has been playing recorded classic rock music for over three decades. Liam Timms, director, Pecos Hotels and Pubs Limited, says rock music always existed in Bengaluru and to date, their playlist is entirely managed by the customers. “People write and give their requests on napkins or sheets of paper,” he says. “Classic rock is evergreen and people of all generations appreciate it.”Rock’s navigating challengesMany artistes are aware of the reality that rock music is not mainstream anymore like it was in the 90s or early 2000s, and are shifting their choices. Abhijith says everything has shifted to electronic music or techno now. “There are not many new rock bands that have come up after the ’90s. I have been on both sides of the table. I was an active part of the rock music scene a decade ago and at present, I have electronic music projects.”Siddhartha Baja, founder of Freedom Jam, an over 30-year-old initiative that provides free platforms for musicians to perform live, says the response for rock commercially is less than what it was a couple of years ago. “Even when greats like Deep Purple had returned to the town, the turnout was lesser than earlier. Comparatively, younger bands like Linkin Park have done much better, but in absolute numbers the audience is a lot smaller than for a singer from the film industry.”Siddhartha says budget could possibly a big factor for shrinking venues for live or rock music — as most venues don’t think of music as the main attraction and hence, don’t spend much on the setup and artistes. Also, managing a band is tough compared to a solo artist. “A band will have at least 10 to 12 members. Managing a big group is always a challenge, and people are also not able to hold a band together for a long time. That is why they are shifting to an easier way of producing music — having a computer rather than a big band,” says Abhijit.Shashaank says the new generation is more interested in EDM. “Even the concept of a guitar solo has slowly disappeared in modern music,” he rues. “But there are still die-hard fans who have an appreciation for rock. That will never go away. Hard Rock is always packed. The need to keep these rock shows and venues alive is more important than ever because the new generation needs to discover what rock music is all about.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar WorldIndia Eyes Global Semiconductor Leadership As PM Modi Launches ₹3,300 Crore Gujarat Plant Initiative’I Want To See India A Super Power By…’: Ex-Tennis Star Leander Paes Joins BJP Before Bengal PollsFrom Naxal Charge To Owaisi Praise: Shah’s Top 7 Shock Moments123PhotostoriesUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistIPL 2026: How Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma met his wife Pratima Singh: From sport stars to parents5 things to know before entering an age-gap relationshipNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe5 high-protein burgers you can easily make at home and tips to maximize nutritionRussia, Uzbekistan and countries named after famous figures123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

Vamsikrishna 0
Representative image Amid a heated political row in West Bengal over alleged voter list manipulation allegation levied by Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the Assembly elections, chief electoral officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Tuesday dismissed claims that his office has any mechanism to arbitrarily alter electoral rolls.The controversy centres on Form 6, the application used by first-time voters to enrol or by existing voters to shift constituencies. The ruling TMC has accused the BJP of attempting to flood the system with applications to add “outsiders” to the state’s voter base.Responding to these allegations, Agarwal emphasised the procedural nature of the system, quoted by PTI saying, “I want to say that this is a government office, there is a receiving section, and anyone can submit as many documents as he or she wants.” He added, “There could be one lakh documents or one document submitted in a day by one person. I do not have information as the head of the office about this. There is a rule.”Clarifying further, he noted that submissions are handled at multiple levels and not directly monitored by him unless escalated: “I do not require to know who is submitting what. The documents are segregated, and then, if required, those are sent to me. I have come to know that some Form 6s have been received by us.”Rejecting allegations of manipulation through digital means, Agarwal asserted, “There is no such software in the CEO’s office through which names can be added or deleted. If allegations arise against someone of being a fake voter, officials concerned carry out verification under the prescribed procedure, and the report is then submitted to the Election Commission.”The political row intensified after Mamata Banerjee wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that Form 6 applications were being filed by individuals with “no legitimate connection” to the state. She described the process as “illegal, unconstitutional and fundamentally undemocratic, reflecting mala fide intent and ill motive”.Earlier, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee claimed that around 30,000 Form 6 applications had been submitted within hours, calling it a violation of Supreme Court norms.Tensions spilled onto the streets when a group of booth-level officers (BLOs), believed to be aligned with the TMC, staged a protest outside the CEO’s office, alleging electoral malpractice. The situation escalated into clashes involving police and BJP workers. Authorities said they intervened to prevent further unrest. A senior officer stated, “We stepped in to maintain law and order as the situation was getting out of hand. Minimal force was used to disperse the gathering.”Police also enforced prohibitory measures in the area, with Agarwal noting, “Section 163 has been enforced here by the Kolkata Police Commissioner. Therefore, if any disturbance occurs in this area, it is the responsibility of the police to handle the situation. They must be allowed to perform their duty. If they fail, the Commission will take action.”The protests followed a visit by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who had approached the CEO’s office to file a complaint against Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of fuelling unrest.Meanwhile, the TMC circulated a video on social media allegedly showing bulk submission of Form 6 applications. In its post, the party claimed, “The design is clear. Bring in voters from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Change Bengal’s demography. Change Bengal’s verdict. Erase Bengal’s voice before a single vote is cast.”In response to these claims, Agarwal said CCTV footage from the office would be reviewed to verify the allegations of mass submissions.The developments come against the backdrop of recent administrative reshuffles by the Election Commission in the state, including a change in Kolkata’s top police leadership following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.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 MediaVideosTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar WorldIndia Eyes Global Semiconductor Leadership As PM Modi Launches ₹3,300 Crore Gujarat Plant Initiative123Photostories6 foods to combine with avocado to boost fiber intake and how to consume themUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe5 high-protein burgers you can easily make at home and tips to maximize nutritionRussia, Uzbekistan and countries named after famous figuresApril 2026 OTT calendar: ‘Crime 101’, ‘The Boys’, ‘Stranger Things: Tales from ’85’, and more to watch this month123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

Representative image Amid a heated political row in West Bengal over alleged voter list manipulation allegation levied by Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the Assembly elections, chief electoral officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Tuesday dismissed claims that his office has any mechanism to arbitrarily alter electoral rolls.The controversy centres on Form 6, the application used by first-time voters to enrol or by existing voters to shift constituencies. The ruling TMC has accused the BJP of attempting to flood the system with applications to add “outsiders” to the state’s voter base.Responding to these allegations, Agarwal emphasised the procedural nature of the system, quoted by PTI saying, “I want to say that this is a government office, there is a receiving section, and anyone can submit as many documents as he or she wants.” He added, “There could be one lakh documents or one document submitted in a day by one person. I do not have information as the head of the office about this. There is a rule.”Clarifying further, he noted that submissions are handled at multiple levels and not directly monitored by him unless escalated: “I do not require to know who is submitting what. The documents are segregated, and then, if required, those are sent to me. I have come to know that some Form 6s have been received by us.”Rejecting allegations of manipulation through digital means, Agarwal asserted, “There is no such software in the CEO’s office through which names can be added or deleted. If allegations arise against someone of being a fake voter, officials concerned carry out verification under the prescribed procedure, and the report is then submitted to the Election Commission.”The political row intensified after Mamata Banerjee wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that Form 6 applications were being filed by individuals with “no legitimate connection” to the state. She described the process as “illegal, unconstitutional and fundamentally undemocratic, reflecting mala fide intent and ill motive”.Earlier, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee claimed that around 30,000 Form 6 applications had been submitted within hours, calling it a violation of Supreme Court norms.Tensions spilled onto the streets when a group of booth-level officers (BLOs), believed to be aligned with the TMC, staged a protest outside the CEO’s office, alleging electoral malpractice. The situation escalated into clashes involving police and BJP workers. Authorities said they intervened to prevent further unrest. A senior officer stated, “We stepped in to maintain law and order as the situation was getting out of hand. Minimal force was used to disperse the gathering.”Police also enforced prohibitory measures in the area, with Agarwal noting, “Section 163 has been enforced here by the Kolkata Police Commissioner. Therefore, if any disturbance occurs in this area, it is the responsibility of the police to handle the situation. They must be allowed to perform their duty. If they fail, the Commission will take action.”The protests followed a visit by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who had approached the CEO’s office to file a complaint against Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of fuelling unrest.Meanwhile, the TMC circulated a video on social media allegedly showing bulk submission of Form 6 applications. In its post, the party claimed, “The design is clear. Bring in voters from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Change Bengal’s demography. Change Bengal’s verdict. Erase Bengal’s voice before a single vote is cast.”In response to these claims, Agarwal said CCTV footage from the office would be reviewed to verify the allegations of mass submissions.The developments come against the backdrop of recent administrative reshuffles by the Election Commission in the state, including a change in Kolkata’s top police leadership following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.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 MediaVideosTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar WorldIndia Eyes Global Semiconductor Leadership As PM Modi Launches ₹3,300 Crore Gujarat Plant Initiative123Photostories6 foods to combine with avocado to boost fiber intake and how to consume themUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe5 high-protein burgers you can easily make at home and tips to maximize nutritionRussia, Uzbekistan and countries named after famous figuresApril 2026 OTT calendar: ‘Crime 101’, ‘The Boys’, ‘Stranger Things: Tales from ’85’, and more to watch this month123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

Vamsikrishna 0
People fall in love with scenic places and engineering marvels all the time, and so did I. The Sigandur bridge — inaugurated in mid-July last year and went viral on social platforms — captivated me instantly. Soon, I decided that I’d cycle there to get a glimpse of the engineering marvel across the Sharavathi river. Now, that meant a 375km ride from Bengaluru! My winter plan almost fell through, but I managed it by early March.The 2.5km Sigandur Bridge, officially known as the Sharavathi Backwaters Bridge, is a landmark infrastructure project in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district. Spanning the vast backwaters of the Sharavathi river, the bridge connects Sagara in Shivamogga with Sigandur and further onward to Kollur in Udupi. I set out at daybreak on March 5, planning to cover 250km on the first day and the remaining 125km the next. After being seen off on Tumakuru Road, it was just me on my bike, on the long Bengaluru–Honnavar highway.The breakfast halt was at Tumakuru. As the day progressed, the sun turned unforgiving — especially around noon. Despite carrying a camelback (water-filled bag) and electrolyte, frequent refills became necessary. Beyond Gubbi, the entire BH Road revealed itself as an endless bypass stretch — no trees, no shade — just flyovers, concrete, and retaining walls. I cycled through playlists: from Rajkumar and SPB to Amitabh Bachchan, and pedalled through the heat, well-coated in sunscreen.By the time I reached Tiptur, I was drained. A brief rest at a roadside farm helped, before I resumed after lunch at Arasikere. Kadur and Birur passed smoothly, but Tarikere slowed me down with roadwork and chaotic traffic, costing me precious 30 minutes. I wanted to minimise riding in the dark, but it was still 9.30pm when I finally reached my stop for the night at Bhadravathi.The next morning began early. Past Shivamogga, the road transformed — tree-lined stretches offered much-needed respite. Riding under a canopy of green, with light music and cheerful waves from schoolchildren, made for one of the most memorable parts of the journey. I slowed down, choosing to reach Sigandur by evening instead of afternoon, to take in the beauty of the countryside. To my luck, most of the Shivamogga-Sigandur route was downhill, the rest being a rolling terrain.At the Heggodu stopover, I paid a brief visit to Neenasam, the renowned theatre institute. After having lunch at a nearby hotel, I tried to take some rest in the cool comfort of an ATM, but its air-conditioning was not working. Soon, I found myself taking a short nap under the shades of coconut trees.The final 30km stretch through Genasinakuni brought me to the Sigandur bridge by 5pm. Families milled about, clicking photos, but I was drawn to the sheer expanse of the 2.5km structure. Riding back and forth across it, with the mellow evening sun casting a golden hue, felt like a reward in itself.Nearby, idle launches — once used to ferry devotees and vehicles across to the Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple — stood as reminders of how the bridge has transformed connectivity. After capturing a video of the ride, I continued to the temple, freshened up, and completed a quiet darshan.As I exited, curious onlookers asked where I had come from. “Bengaluru,” I replied — and that was enough to draw smiles, selfies, and a few words of appreciation for the ‘pedal yatri’.At Sagar, I negotiated with a private bus operator — who charged more for the bike than my ticket — for transport. After a brief exchange, we settled on equal footing. By the time I reached Peenya early the next morning, the sun was just rising.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar WorldIndia Eyes Global Semiconductor Leadership As PM Modi Launches ₹3,300 Crore Gujarat Plant Initiative123PhotostoriesUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistIPL 2026: How Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma met his wife Pratima Singh: From sport stars to parents5 things to know before entering an age-gap relationshipNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe5 high-protein burgers you can easily make at home and tips to maximize nutritionRussia, Uzbekistan and countries named after famous figures123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

People fall in love with scenic places and engineering marvels all the time, and so did I. The Sigandur bridge — inaugurated in mid-July last year and went viral on social platforms — captivated me instantly. Soon, I decided that I’d cycle there to get a glimpse of the engineering marvel across the Sharavathi river. Now, that meant a 375km ride from Bengaluru! My winter plan almost fell through, but I managed it by early March.The 2.5km Sigandur Bridge, officially known as the Sharavathi Backwaters Bridge, is a landmark infrastructure project in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district. Spanning the vast backwaters of the Sharavathi river, the bridge connects Sagara in Shivamogga with Sigandur and further onward to Kollur in Udupi. I set out at daybreak on March 5, planning to cover 250km on the first day and the remaining 125km the next. After being seen off on Tumakuru Road, it was just me on my bike, on the long Bengaluru–Honnavar highway.The breakfast halt was at Tumakuru. As the day progressed, the sun turned unforgiving — especially around noon. Despite carrying a camelback (water-filled bag) and electrolyte, frequent refills became necessary. Beyond Gubbi, the entire BH Road revealed itself as an endless bypass stretch — no trees, no shade — just flyovers, concrete, and retaining walls. I cycled through playlists: from Rajkumar and SPB to Amitabh Bachchan, and pedalled through the heat, well-coated in sunscreen.By the time I reached Tiptur, I was drained. A brief rest at a roadside farm helped, before I resumed after lunch at Arasikere. Kadur and Birur passed smoothly, but Tarikere slowed me down with roadwork and chaotic traffic, costing me precious 30 minutes. I wanted to minimise riding in the dark, but it was still 9.30pm when I finally reached my stop for the night at Bhadravathi.The next morning began early. Past Shivamogga, the road transformed — tree-lined stretches offered much-needed respite. Riding under a canopy of green, with light music and cheerful waves from schoolchildren, made for one of the most memorable parts of the journey. I slowed down, choosing to reach Sigandur by evening instead of afternoon, to take in the beauty of the countryside. To my luck, most of the Shivamogga-Sigandur route was downhill, the rest being a rolling terrain.At the Heggodu stopover, I paid a brief visit to Neenasam, the renowned theatre institute. After having lunch at a nearby hotel, I tried to take some rest in the cool comfort of an ATM, but its air-conditioning was not working. Soon, I found myself taking a short nap under the shades of coconut trees.The final 30km stretch through Genasinakuni brought me to the Sigandur bridge by 5pm. Families milled about, clicking photos, but I was drawn to the sheer expanse of the 2.5km structure. Riding back and forth across it, with the mellow evening sun casting a golden hue, felt like a reward in itself.Nearby, idle launches — once used to ferry devotees and vehicles across to the Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple — stood as reminders of how the bridge has transformed connectivity. After capturing a video of the ride, I continued to the temple, freshened up, and completed a quiet darshan.As I exited, curious onlookers asked where I had come from. “Bengaluru,” I replied — and that was enough to draw smiles, selfies, and a few words of appreciation for the ‘pedal yatri’.At Sagar, I negotiated with a private bus operator — who charged more for the bike than my ticket — for transport. After a brief exchange, we settled on equal footing. By the time I reached Peenya early the next morning, the sun was just rising.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar WorldIndia Eyes Global Semiconductor Leadership As PM Modi Launches ₹3,300 Crore Gujarat Plant Initiative123PhotostoriesUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistIPL 2026: How Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma met his wife Pratima Singh: From sport stars to parents5 things to know before entering an age-gap relationshipNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe5 high-protein burgers you can easily make at home and tips to maximize nutritionRussia, Uzbekistan and countries named after famous figures123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

Vamsikrishna 0