April 12, 2026

There are 1,099 polling booths, including 30 all-women polling booths, 15 youth-managed polling booths, two booths managed by people with disabilities and two unique polling booths established in heritage buildings in the Union territory. PUDUCHERRY: The Union territory of Puducherry will head to the assembly polls on Thursday (April 9). Chief electoral officer P Jawahar, while briefing reporters on Wednesday, said the election machinery in the territory expects more than 90% polling in 2026. The territory recorded 82.2% polling in the 2021 assembly polls. After special intensive revision (SIR), about 8% voters were removed from the electoral list in 2026, he said.Polling will begin at 7am. There are 294 candidates in the fray in 30 constituencies in the territory. The constituencies include 23 in Puducherry, five in Karaikal and one each in Mahe and Yanam. There are 9.5 lakh voters – 5.03 lakh women, 4.46 lakh men and 140 third gender- in the territory. There are 1,099 polling booths, including 30 all-women polling booths, 15 youth-managed polling booths, two booths managed by people with disabilities (PwD) and two unique polling booths established in heritage buildings in the territory.All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led NDA coalition govt is seeking a second consecutive term. The alliance includes the BJP, AIADMK and LJK. AINRC contests in 16 seats, BJP 10 and AIADMK and LJK two each. Congress-led INDIA bloc is leaving no stone unturned to wrest power back from the NDA. Congress contests in 16 seats, DMK 13 and VCK one.Jawahar said the election department had thus far seized Rs 8.4 crore worth of gold valuables, liquor, and freebies besides cash intended to lure voters. The department suspended nine govt servants for participating in political activities and initiated disciplinary action against another nine govt servants for their involvement in political activities. A delegation of nine officials from six countries — Kyrgyzstan, Ivory Coast, Moldova, Mongolia, Guyana and Bhutan — have arrived in Puducherry to observe the polling process at select stations.He said the election machinery had launched the Meipporul 2.0 application to combat “fake news” and misinformation. He urged citizens to follow the mantra: “Think, verify and act.” Already, 113 misleading social media posts have been removed by the cybersecurity wing. The department had resolved 76 out of 84 complaints within the 100-minute deadline via the C-Vigil app, he said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Puducherry | Silver Rate in Puducherry | Bank Holidays in Puducherry | Public Holidays in PuducherryEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US‘Hormuz Disruptions Could Hit Growth’: RBI Governor Malhotra Flags Oil, Inflation Risks After MPCJaishankar To Visit UAE, Signals India’s Strategic Push After US, Iran Strike Ceasefire In West AsiaIndia Welcomes US-Iran Peace Push But Warns Against Further Disruption In Hormuz Supply Chain RouteFour Killed in Fresh Manipur Violence After Months of Calm; Probe Handed to NIA123PhotostoriesThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right nowFrom ‘Ramayana’, ‘Cocktail 2’ to ‘Toxic’: A complete look at 2026’s biggest upcoming moviesAs Ranbir Kapoor takes on dual roles in ‘Ramayana’, a look at Bollywood’s finest double role performancesMumbai Metro crosses 100km, overtakes Bengaluru to become India’s second-largest network after Delhi-NCRInside Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ₹8 crore Pune residence that defines modern luxury123Hot PicksShreyas Iyer SisterUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce RelationshipIPL 2026Donald TrumpB V NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
There are 1,099 polling booths, including 30 all-women polling booths, 15 youth-managed polling booths, two booths managed by people with disabilities and two unique polling booths established in heritage buildings in the Union territory. PUDUCHERRY: The Union territory of Puducherry will head to the assembly polls on Thursday (April 9). Chief electoral officer P Jawahar, while briefing reporters on Wednesday, said the election machinery in the territory expects more than 90% polling in 2026. The territory recorded 82.2% polling in the 2021 assembly polls. After special intensive revision (SIR), about 8% voters were removed from the electoral list in 2026, he said.Polling will begin at 7am. There are 294 candidates in the fray in 30 constituencies in the territory. The constituencies include 23 in Puducherry, five in Karaikal and one each in Mahe and Yanam. There are 9.5 lakh voters – 5.03 lakh women, 4.46 lakh men and 140 third gender- in the territory. There are 1,099 polling booths, including 30 all-women polling booths, 15 youth-managed polling booths, two booths managed by people with disabilities (PwD) and two unique polling booths established in heritage buildings in the territory.All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led NDA coalition govt is seeking a second consecutive term. The alliance includes the BJP, AIADMK and LJK. AINRC contests in 16 seats, BJP 10 and AIADMK and LJK two each. Congress-led INDIA bloc is leaving no stone unturned to wrest power back from the NDA. Congress contests in 16 seats, DMK 13 and VCK one.Jawahar said the election department had thus far seized Rs 8.4 crore worth of gold valuables, liquor, and freebies besides cash intended to lure voters. The department suspended nine govt servants for participating in political activities and initiated disciplinary action against another nine govt servants for their involvement in political activities. A delegation of nine officials from six countries — Kyrgyzstan, Ivory Coast, Moldova, Mongolia, Guyana and Bhutan — have arrived in Puducherry to observe the polling process at select stations.He said the election machinery had launched the Meipporul 2.0 application to combat “fake news” and misinformation. He urged citizens to follow the mantra: “Think, verify and act.” Already, 113 misleading social media posts have been removed by the cybersecurity wing. The department had resolved 76 out of 84 complaints within the 100-minute deadline via the C-Vigil app, he said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Puducherry | Silver Rate in Puducherry | Bank Holidays in Puducherry | Public Holidays in PuducherryEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US‘Hormuz Disruptions Could Hit Growth’: RBI Governor Malhotra Flags Oil, Inflation Risks After MPCJaishankar To Visit UAE, Signals India’s Strategic Push After US, Iran Strike Ceasefire In West AsiaIndia Welcomes US-Iran Peace Push But Warns Against Further Disruption In Hormuz Supply Chain RouteFour Killed in Fresh Manipur Violence After Months of Calm; Probe Handed to NIA123PhotostoriesThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right nowFrom ‘Ramayana’, ‘Cocktail 2’ to ‘Toxic’: A complete look at 2026’s biggest upcoming moviesAs Ranbir Kapoor takes on dual roles in ‘Ramayana’, a look at Bollywood’s finest double role performancesMumbai Metro crosses 100km, overtakes Bengaluru to become India’s second-largest network after Delhi-NCRInside Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ₹8 crore Pune residence that defines modern luxury123Hot PicksShreyas Iyer SisterUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce RelationshipIPL 2026Donald TrumpB V NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date


All set for Puducherry polling: 9.5 lakh voters to decide fate of 294 candidates on Thursday
There are 1,099 polling booths, including 30 all-women polling booths, 15 youth-managed polling booths, two booths managed by people with disabilities and two unique polling booths established in heritage buildings in the Union territory.

PUDUCHERRY: The Union territory of Puducherry will head to the assembly polls on Thursday (April 9). Chief electoral officer P Jawahar, while briefing reporters on Wednesday, said the election machinery in the territory expects more than 90% polling in 2026. The territory recorded 82.2% polling in the 2021 assembly polls. After special intensive revision (SIR), about 8% voters were removed from the electoral list in 2026, he said.Polling will begin at 7am. There are 294 candidates in the fray in 30 constituencies in the territory. The constituencies include 23 in Puducherry, five in Karaikal and one each in Mahe and Yanam. There are 9.5 lakh voters – 5.03 lakh women, 4.46 lakh men and 140 third gender- in the territory. There are 1,099 polling booths, including 30 all-women polling booths, 15 youth-managed polling booths, two booths managed by people with disabilities (PwD) and two unique polling booths established in heritage buildings in the territory.All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led NDA coalition govt is seeking a second consecutive term. The alliance includes the BJP, AIADMK and LJK. AINRC contests in 16 seats, BJP 10 and AIADMK and LJK two each. Congress-led INDIA bloc is leaving no stone unturned to wrest power back from the NDA. Congress contests in 16 seats, DMK 13 and VCK one.Jawahar said the election department had thus far seized Rs 8.4 crore worth of gold valuables, liquor, and freebies besides cash intended to lure voters. The department suspended nine govt servants for participating in political activities and initiated disciplinary action against another nine govt servants for their involvement in political activities. A delegation of nine officials from six countries — Kyrgyzstan, Ivory Coast, Moldova, Mongolia, Guyana and Bhutan — have arrived in Puducherry to observe the polling process at select stations.He said the election machinery had launched the Meipporul 2.0 application to combat “fake news” and misinformation. He urged citizens to follow the mantra: “Think, verify and act.” Already, 113 misleading social media posts have been removed by the cybersecurity wing. The department had resolved 76 out of 84 complaints within the 100-minute deadline via the C-Vigil app, he said.



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NEW DELHI: Election campaigns across India are increasingly defined by what parties promise to give and while the “freebie culture” may be catching on in other states, it was pioneered in Tamil Nadu. Across the state, parties are once again rolling out promises of cash transfers, subsidised services and household goods, each attempting to outdo the other. It is the season of manifesto releases and high-decibel campaigning, where the language of welfare dominates every rally and roadshow.For many voters shaped by decades of Dravidian politics, such promises are not extraordinary giveaways but part of the normal grammar of governance.What sets Tamil Nadu apart is not just the scale of its welfare, but the depth of its political memory. From early interventions in food and education to more visible, consumption-oriented schemes, successive governments have built an expectation that the state must play an active role in everyday life.What is changing is not just the scale of welfare, but its form, with earlier schemes centred on goods like televisions, mixers and grinders giving way to direct cash transfers and other similar schemes.Therefore, the contest reveals less about excess and more about continuity, showing how deeply this model is embedded in Tamil Nadu’s political imagination.Similarly, in 2026, what is unfolding is not simply a contest of promises, but a competition within limits that no major party is willing, or able, to redraw.How welfare became the normThe story begins not with excess, but with intent. Under MG Ramachandran, welfare was embedded into governance as a tool of legitimacy. His most enduring intervention, the expansion of the Nutritious Meal Scheme, ensured cooked mid-day meals for schoolchildren at scale, significantly boosting enrolment and retention. Alongside this, subsidised rice through the public distribution system was widened, and schemes such as free school uniforms and textbooks strengthened access to basic education. These were not framed as discretionary benefits but as foundational state responsibilities, particularly for poorer households.It was under J Jayalalithaa that welfare acquired a sharper political edge and a more visible form. Her governments introduced a range of consumer-oriented schemes that made state support immediate and tangible: free colour televisions for households, mixers, grinders and electric fans for women beneficiaries, and laptops for students aimed at bridging the digital divide. At the same time, the Amma brand of subsidised services, including the well-known Amma Canteens offering low-cost meals, as well as Amma salt, water and pharmacies, extended welfare into everyday consumption. These initiatives did more than provide material support; they reshaped how voters experienced the state, turning welfare into something seen, used and remembered.What followed was not competition over whether to provide welfare, but over how much and how effectively. The alternation between the DMK and the AIADMK did not disrupt this model; it entrenched it. Each government inherited the expectations set by its predecessor and added to them. By the time MK Stalin took office, the model had evolved again. The emphasis shifted towards more targeted schemes and direct transfers, particularly for women and students, refining rather than reversing what came before.Neither the DMK nor the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami in opposition, can credibly campaign on reducing welfare. Criticism, when it comes, focuses on inefficiency or corruption rather than on the principle itself. Can the model last?Tamil Nadu’s welfare model remains fiscally sustainable, underpinned by a strong economy, is what most parties would say. The state has one of India’s most robust industrial bases, leads in electronics manufacturing and has seen steady growth, outpacing the national average in recent years. By standard measures, it is not in fiscal distress. Debt has eased from its peak to around 26% of GSDP, and the fiscal deficit is projected to return close to the 3% target. Strong own-tax revenues and relatively low borrowing costs reinforce this picture. Social outcomes also support the case: welfare programmes have improved education, especially among women, and strengthened workforce participation.Yet caution persists. Tamil Nadu’s debt remains high in absolute terms, and welfare spending continues to expand. Interest payments are taking up a growing share of revenues, while deficits remain elevated. Critics warn that constant escalation in promises risks tightening fiscal space. Even within government estimates, large-scale cash schemes could impose significant recurring costs. Welfare itself may not be unsustainable, but the accumulation of commitments is narrowing flexibility. The debate is less about immediate crisis and more about how long the balance can hold.A competition with no exitNo major party in Tamil Nadu now campaigns against welfare. Instead, the contest is over scale and delivery. The 2026 manifestos reflect this logic. The DMK has proposed an Rs 8,000 household coupon and expanded financial support for women, alongside continued subsidies and services. The AIADMK has responded with its own expansive promises, including direct cash transfers, free appliances including refrigerators and fuel support. Many of these echo earlier schemes, showing how deeply embedded this model has become.The political exchange has turned into a familiar cycle. Edappadi K. Palaniswami has criticised M. K. Stalin’s proposals as inefficient, while promising more direct cash support. The DMK, in turn, defends its approach as targeted welfare with developmental outcomes. Behind the rhetoric, both sides operate within the same constraint: withdrawing benefits carries political risk. The competition is no longer about whether to provide welfare, but how visibly and efficiently it can be delivered.Voter logicAttempts to challenge this framework have had limited traction. Seeman has openly rejected the language of freebies, arguing for dignity and self-reliance over state handouts. Yet his position remains outside the mainstream. Even Vijay, who initially framed his politics around welfare rather than giveaways, has offered a slate of benefits that mirrors established parties.This reflects a deeper reality. Tamil Nadu’s electorate is not passive, but it is shaped by decades of policy that have made welfare both tangible and reliable. Programmes are often targeted and linked to real outcomes, from education to nutrition.For many voters, these distinctions are less ideological than practical. Welfare is assessed in terms of reliability and access rather than intent. Whether support arrives as a subsidy, a service or a direct transfer often matters less than whether it arrives on time and reaches the intended household. This creates a feedback loop in which parties are judged not for offering benefits, but for delivering them efficiently. In that sense, electoral competition reinforces the system even as it appears to contest it.What’s the way forwardThe emergence of new actors ahead of 2026 has raised the possibility of such a shift. Seeman and Vijay, in different ways, have gestured towards a politics of dignity and self-reliance. Their rhetoric hints at discomfort with an ever-expanding welfare state, suggesting that dependence may carry its own costs.As a result, even potential disruptors face a dilemma. To oppose welfare outright is to risk marginalisation; to accept it is to become part of the same competitive cycle. So far, the latter instinct has prevailed. The challenge they pose is therefore indirect, nudging the conversation rather than overturning it.The real test is not whether parties can step away from welfare, but whether they can sustain it without closing off their own future choices. For now, Tamil Nadu’s growth has allowed this balance to hold, masking the trade-offs beneath it. But that balance rests on assumptions that may not always endure.Tamil Nadu has not so much fallen into a freebie trap as constructed a system that works, until it doesn’t. The uncertainty lies in what breaks first: the economics that sustain it, or the politics that demand it.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before Talks123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the worldType 2 diabetes doesn’t start with high sugar: Early metabolic shifts that begin years earlier and how lifestyle changes can help reverse them123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

NEW DELHI: Election campaigns across India are increasingly defined by what parties promise to give and while the “freebie culture” may be catching on in other states, it was pioneered in Tamil Nadu. Across the state, parties are once again rolling out promises of cash transfers, subsidised services and household goods, each attempting to outdo the other. It is the season of manifesto releases and high-decibel campaigning, where the language of welfare dominates every rally and roadshow.For many voters shaped by decades of Dravidian politics, such promises are not extraordinary giveaways but part of the normal grammar of governance.What sets Tamil Nadu apart is not just the scale of its welfare, but the depth of its political memory. From early interventions in food and education to more visible, consumption-oriented schemes, successive governments have built an expectation that the state must play an active role in everyday life.What is changing is not just the scale of welfare, but its form, with earlier schemes centred on goods like televisions, mixers and grinders giving way to direct cash transfers and other similar schemes.Therefore, the contest reveals less about excess and more about continuity, showing how deeply this model is embedded in Tamil Nadu’s political imagination.Similarly, in 2026, what is unfolding is not simply a contest of promises, but a competition within limits that no major party is willing, or able, to redraw.How welfare became the normThe story begins not with excess, but with intent. Under MG Ramachandran, welfare was embedded into governance as a tool of legitimacy. His most enduring intervention, the expansion of the Nutritious Meal Scheme, ensured cooked mid-day meals for schoolchildren at scale, significantly boosting enrolment and retention. Alongside this, subsidised rice through the public distribution system was widened, and schemes such as free school uniforms and textbooks strengthened access to basic education. These were not framed as discretionary benefits but as foundational state responsibilities, particularly for poorer households.It was under J Jayalalithaa that welfare acquired a sharper political edge and a more visible form. Her governments introduced a range of consumer-oriented schemes that made state support immediate and tangible: free colour televisions for households, mixers, grinders and electric fans for women beneficiaries, and laptops for students aimed at bridging the digital divide. At the same time, the Amma brand of subsidised services, including the well-known Amma Canteens offering low-cost meals, as well as Amma salt, water and pharmacies, extended welfare into everyday consumption. These initiatives did more than provide material support; they reshaped how voters experienced the state, turning welfare into something seen, used and remembered.What followed was not competition over whether to provide welfare, but over how much and how effectively. The alternation between the DMK and the AIADMK did not disrupt this model; it entrenched it. Each government inherited the expectations set by its predecessor and added to them. By the time MK Stalin took office, the model had evolved again. The emphasis shifted towards more targeted schemes and direct transfers, particularly for women and students, refining rather than reversing what came before.Neither the DMK nor the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami in opposition, can credibly campaign on reducing welfare. Criticism, when it comes, focuses on inefficiency or corruption rather than on the principle itself. Can the model last?Tamil Nadu’s welfare model remains fiscally sustainable, underpinned by a strong economy, is what most parties would say. The state has one of India’s most robust industrial bases, leads in electronics manufacturing and has seen steady growth, outpacing the national average in recent years. By standard measures, it is not in fiscal distress. Debt has eased from its peak to around 26% of GSDP, and the fiscal deficit is projected to return close to the 3% target. Strong own-tax revenues and relatively low borrowing costs reinforce this picture. Social outcomes also support the case: welfare programmes have improved education, especially among women, and strengthened workforce participation.Yet caution persists. Tamil Nadu’s debt remains high in absolute terms, and welfare spending continues to expand. Interest payments are taking up a growing share of revenues, while deficits remain elevated. Critics warn that constant escalation in promises risks tightening fiscal space. Even within government estimates, large-scale cash schemes could impose significant recurring costs. Welfare itself may not be unsustainable, but the accumulation of commitments is narrowing flexibility. The debate is less about immediate crisis and more about how long the balance can hold.A competition with no exitNo major party in Tamil Nadu now campaigns against welfare. Instead, the contest is over scale and delivery. The 2026 manifestos reflect this logic. The DMK has proposed an Rs 8,000 household coupon and expanded financial support for women, alongside continued subsidies and services. The AIADMK has responded with its own expansive promises, including direct cash transfers, free appliances including refrigerators and fuel support. Many of these echo earlier schemes, showing how deeply embedded this model has become.The political exchange has turned into a familiar cycle. Edappadi K. Palaniswami has criticised M. K. Stalin’s proposals as inefficient, while promising more direct cash support. The DMK, in turn, defends its approach as targeted welfare with developmental outcomes. Behind the rhetoric, both sides operate within the same constraint: withdrawing benefits carries political risk. The competition is no longer about whether to provide welfare, but how visibly and efficiently it can be delivered.Voter logicAttempts to challenge this framework have had limited traction. Seeman has openly rejected the language of freebies, arguing for dignity and self-reliance over state handouts. Yet his position remains outside the mainstream. Even Vijay, who initially framed his politics around welfare rather than giveaways, has offered a slate of benefits that mirrors established parties.This reflects a deeper reality. Tamil Nadu’s electorate is not passive, but it is shaped by decades of policy that have made welfare both tangible and reliable. Programmes are often targeted and linked to real outcomes, from education to nutrition.For many voters, these distinctions are less ideological than practical. Welfare is assessed in terms of reliability and access rather than intent. Whether support arrives as a subsidy, a service or a direct transfer often matters less than whether it arrives on time and reaches the intended household. This creates a feedback loop in which parties are judged not for offering benefits, but for delivering them efficiently. In that sense, electoral competition reinforces the system even as it appears to contest it.What’s the way forwardThe emergence of new actors ahead of 2026 has raised the possibility of such a shift. Seeman and Vijay, in different ways, have gestured towards a politics of dignity and self-reliance. Their rhetoric hints at discomfort with an ever-expanding welfare state, suggesting that dependence may carry its own costs.As a result, even potential disruptors face a dilemma. To oppose welfare outright is to risk marginalisation; to accept it is to become part of the same competitive cycle. So far, the latter instinct has prevailed. The challenge they pose is therefore indirect, nudging the conversation rather than overturning it.The real test is not whether parties can step away from welfare, but whether they can sustain it without closing off their own future choices. For now, Tamil Nadu’s growth has allowed this balance to hold, masking the trade-offs beneath it. But that balance rests on assumptions that may not always endure.Tamil Nadu has not so much fallen into a freebie trap as constructed a system that works, until it doesn’t. The uncertainty lies in what breaks first: the economics that sustain it, or the politics that demand it.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before Talks123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the worldType 2 diabetes doesn’t start with high sugar: Early metabolic shifts that begin years earlier and how lifestyle changes can help reverse them123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

Vamsikrishna 0
Image: IANS The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station, “Sikkim Sundari”. The move aims to improve communication and access to information in remote high-altitude areas, officials said.According to the Defence PRO, the station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information on government schemes, while also serving as a platform to promote local culture and encourage youth participation.It will further provide opportunities for local youth to develop communication skills and take part in community engagement.“The initiative will help connect communities, amplify local voices, and support development in remote areas,” a senior army official was quoted as saying by PTI.The radio station was inaugurated in the presence of senior officers of the Trishakti Corps, civil administration representatives, and members of the local community.Meanwhile, the additional director general of border roads (East), Jitendra Prasad, visited the landslide-affected area at Taramchu in North Sikkim to review the situation on the ground.According to the Defence PRO, he assessed the damage and interacted with personnel of the Border Roads Organisation deployed at the site. He also reviewed ongoing restoration work and directed officials to expedite efforts to reopen the route at the earliest, as cited by ANI.During the visit, Prasad inspected the progress of work and reiterated the organisation’s focus on restoring and maintaining connectivity in the region, noting the importance of road links for local communities and access to border areas.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 MediaVideosSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For Bravery123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the world123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

Image: IANS The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station, “Sikkim Sundari”. The move aims to improve communication and access to information in remote high-altitude areas, officials said.According to the Defence PRO, the station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information on government schemes, while also serving as a platform to promote local culture and encourage youth participation.It will further provide opportunities for local youth to develop communication skills and take part in community engagement.“The initiative will help connect communities, amplify local voices, and support development in remote areas,” a senior army official was quoted as saying by PTI.The radio station was inaugurated in the presence of senior officers of the Trishakti Corps, civil administration representatives, and members of the local community.Meanwhile, the additional director general of border roads (East), Jitendra Prasad, visited the landslide-affected area at Taramchu in North Sikkim to review the situation on the ground.According to the Defence PRO, he assessed the damage and interacted with personnel of the Border Roads Organisation deployed at the site. He also reviewed ongoing restoration work and directed officials to expedite efforts to reopen the route at the earliest, as cited by ANI.During the visit, Prasad inspected the progress of work and reiterated the organisation’s focus on restoring and maintaining connectivity in the region, noting the importance of road links for local communities and access to border areas.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 MediaVideosSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For Bravery123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the world123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

Vamsikrishna 0
Singer Asha Bhosle died at 92 in Mumbai, ending a seven-decade career that defined Indian playback music globally.US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed over negotiation disputes after 21 hours of discussion.India rejected China’s renaming of Arunachal Pradesh as baseless and warned that it harms efforts to stabilise bilateral relations.Nitish Kumar calls Cabinet meet on April 14 with resignation likely. Bihar may get a new CM the next day.UP police booked the husband and in-laws for allegedly causing two miscarriages through assault over dowry.Here are the top 5 updates from the day:Asha Bhosle passes away at 92Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away at 92 in Mumbai after multi-organ failure, her family confirmed. With a career spanning seven decades and over 11,000 songs, she shaped Indian film music. Her last rites are scheduled in Mumbai as it marks the end of a golden era in playback singing. Read the full story.US-Iran talks in Islamabad fail after 21 hours of discussionUS-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a deal after 21 hours, as major differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, Strait of Hormuz control and regional demands stalled progress. Despite tensions and mistrust, both sides indicated negotiations would continue amid fragile diplomatic prospects. Read the full story.India dismisses China’s ‘baseless’ renaming of places in ArunachalIndia rejected China’s latest move to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a “mischievous attempt” to assert false claims. The government said such actions cannot change ground reality and warned that these moves undermine efforts to stabilise bilateral ties amid ongoing border tensions. Read the full story.Nitish Kumar calls Bihar cabinet meeting on April 14 as state braces for new CMBihar politics intensified as Nitish Kumar prepared to resign from his CM position for a Rajya Sabha role, with a decision expected after an April 14 cabinet meeting. NDA leaders signalled BJP’s key role in choosing his successor, as speculations grow over potential candidates and internal tensions within JD(U). Read the full story.Husband, in-laws booked for causing miscarriages over dowry in UPPolice booked a man and his two family members in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly causing two miscarriages by assaulting his wife over dowry demands. The woman accused them of repeated violence during pregnancies. A case was registered, and a search was launched to trace the absconding accused. Read the full story.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 MediaVideosSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For Bravery123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the world123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

Singer Asha Bhosle died at 92 in Mumbai, ending a seven-decade career that defined Indian playback music globally.US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed over negotiation disputes after 21 hours of discussion.India rejected China’s renaming of Arunachal Pradesh as baseless and warned that it harms efforts to stabilise bilateral relations.Nitish Kumar calls Cabinet meet on April 14 with resignation likely. Bihar may get a new CM the next day.UP police booked the husband and in-laws for allegedly causing two miscarriages through assault over dowry.Here are the top 5 updates from the day:Asha Bhosle passes away at 92Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away at 92 in Mumbai after multi-organ failure, her family confirmed. With a career spanning seven decades and over 11,000 songs, she shaped Indian film music. Her last rites are scheduled in Mumbai as it marks the end of a golden era in playback singing. Read the full story.US-Iran talks in Islamabad fail after 21 hours of discussionUS-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a deal after 21 hours, as major differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, Strait of Hormuz control and regional demands stalled progress. Despite tensions and mistrust, both sides indicated negotiations would continue amid fragile diplomatic prospects. Read the full story.India dismisses China’s ‘baseless’ renaming of places in ArunachalIndia rejected China’s latest move to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a “mischievous attempt” to assert false claims. The government said such actions cannot change ground reality and warned that these moves undermine efforts to stabilise bilateral ties amid ongoing border tensions. Read the full story.Nitish Kumar calls Bihar cabinet meeting on April 14 as state braces for new CMBihar politics intensified as Nitish Kumar prepared to resign from his CM position for a Rajya Sabha role, with a decision expected after an April 14 cabinet meeting. NDA leaders signalled BJP’s key role in choosing his successor, as speculations grow over potential candidates and internal tensions within JD(U). Read the full story.Husband, in-laws booked for causing miscarriages over dowry in UPPolice booked a man and his two family members in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly causing two miscarriages by assaulting his wife over dowry demands. The woman accused them of repeated violence during pregnancies. A case was registered, and a search was launched to trace the absconding accused. Read the full story.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 MediaVideosSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For Bravery123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the world123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the Centre of carrying out delimitation exercise to trifurcate the state.While addressing poll rallies in Chhatna and Onda in West Bengal’s Bankura district, Mamata said that parts of West Bengal could be merged with Bihar and Odisha, and it would result in hardships in Bengalu living in those areas.”The BJP is planning to bring in a delimitation bill to divide West Bengal into three parts. It may merge parts of West Bengal with Bihar or Odisha, and torture Bengalis there,” Mamata said.Mamata also alleged that the BJP has struck a Rs 1,000-crore deal to unseat the Trinamool Congress from power in the state.She made the apparent reference to a viral video of Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir, who was purportedly heard saying that he was in close touch with BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, to unseat Mamata from power and that he received Rs 200 crore as an advance payment of a Rs 1,000-crore deal to split minority votes to defeat the TMC.”They (BJP) have struck a Rs 1,000-crore deal to unseat the TMC from power in West Bengal,” the party supremo said.She also alleged that central forces deployed in the state for the upcoming polls were “disrespecting” women in the name of conducting searches.The CM also claimed that she was denied permission to hold a rally despite the venue being available, while quick clearance was given for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting.She also accused the BJP of bribing voters before elections, and called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls the “country’s biggest scam” in recent times.”The SIR is the biggest scam the country has seen in recent times. Everyone in the world knows that your government will topple in 2026. We will then scrap all the anti-people laws brought in by your government,” she added.”The BJP bribes voters before the elections. But they forget their promises soon after the polling is over. That was seen in the Bihar elections,” Mamata said.The TMC chief further alleged that the BJP would try to manipulate the polling process to win the election and urged the people to remain alert and keep a tab on the voting machines.”Be alert about the voting machines. The BJP has planned slow voting and slow counting. Foil all their plans,” Banerjee said.She also alleged that the BJP was planning to offer “spiked tea and sweets” to people to “loot votes”.”They are planning to offer you spiked tea and sweets, consuming which you would fall asleep and they would loot your votes… Remain cautious,” she said.She also questioned the BJP’s poll promise of filling up vacancies in government departments, asking, “What happened to his (Modi) promise of providing 2 crore jobs to youths?”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 MediaVideosSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For Bravery123PhotostoriesBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the worldType 2 diabetes doesn’t start with high sugar: Early metabolic shifts that begin years earlier and how lifestyle changes can help reverse themDelhi-Dehradun Expressway ready for inauguration: What you need to knowDipika Kakar cries amid reoccurrence of the cyst; Shoaib Ibrahim says, “I have constant anxiety thinking if something goes wrong”123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleUS inflationSchool Holidays in AprilLaken Snelling case

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the Centre of carrying out delimitation exercise to trifurcate the state.While addressing poll rallies in Chhatna and Onda in West Bengal’s Bankura district, Mamata said that parts of West Bengal could be merged with Bihar and Odisha, and it would result in hardships in Bengalu living in those areas.”The BJP is planning to bring in a delimitation bill to divide West Bengal into three parts. It may merge parts of West Bengal with Bihar or Odisha, and torture Bengalis there,” Mamata said.Mamata also alleged that the BJP has struck a Rs 1,000-crore deal to unseat the Trinamool Congress from power in the state.She made the apparent reference to a viral video of Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir, who was purportedly heard saying that he was in close touch with BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, to unseat Mamata from power and that he received Rs 200 crore as an advance payment of a Rs 1,000-crore deal to split minority votes to defeat the TMC.”They (BJP) have struck a Rs 1,000-crore deal to unseat the TMC from power in West Bengal,” the party supremo said.She also alleged that central forces deployed in the state for the upcoming polls were “disrespecting” women in the name of conducting searches.The CM also claimed that she was denied permission to hold a rally despite the venue being available, while quick clearance was given for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting.She also accused the BJP of bribing voters before elections, and called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls the “country’s biggest scam” in recent times.”The SIR is the biggest scam the country has seen in recent times. Everyone in the world knows that your government will topple in 2026. We will then scrap all the anti-people laws brought in by your government,” she added.”The BJP bribes voters before the elections. But they forget their promises soon after the polling is over. That was seen in the Bihar elections,” Mamata said.The TMC chief further alleged that the BJP would try to manipulate the polling process to win the election and urged the people to remain alert and keep a tab on the voting machines.”Be alert about the voting machines. The BJP has planned slow voting and slow counting. Foil all their plans,” Banerjee said.She also alleged that the BJP was planning to offer “spiked tea and sweets” to people to “loot votes”.”They are planning to offer you spiked tea and sweets, consuming which you would fall asleep and they would loot your votes… Remain cautious,” she said.She also questioned the BJP’s poll promise of filling up vacancies in government departments, asking, “What happened to his (Modi) promise of providing 2 crore jobs to youths?”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 MediaVideosSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For Bravery123PhotostoriesBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the worldType 2 diabetes doesn’t start with high sugar: Early metabolic shifts that begin years earlier and how lifestyle changes can help reverse themDelhi-Dehradun Expressway ready for inauguration: What you need to knowDipika Kakar cries amid reoccurrence of the cyst; Shoaib Ibrahim says, “I have constant anxiety thinking if something goes wrong”123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleUS inflationSchool Holidays in AprilLaken Snelling case

Vamsikrishna 0