April 22, 2026

(AP photo) NEW DELHI: Iran on Wednesday seized two vessels, one of them bound for Gujarat, against the backdrop of mounting tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the Trump-Tehran confrontation continues to intensify.The development comes close on the heels of a tense episode in which Iranian forces opened fire on an India-bound ship attempting to pass through the chokepoint, forcing it into an abrupt return. Iranian state television later reported that the ships were in the custody of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and were being taken to Iran. The vessels were identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, though their owners could not be immediately reached for comment, as AP reported.According to marine traffic data, Epaminondas, a Liberian-flagged container ship, was en route to Mundra port in Gujarat’s Kachch district. Its navigational status was listed as “stopped.”The seizures mark a sharp escalation by Iran’s leadership, which appears to be hardening its stance following earlier rounds of talks with the Trump administration that devolved into open conflict.Despite a ceasefire facilitated by Pakistan earlier on Wednesday, tensions around the vital oil chokepoint remain high, strained by continued US blockade measures and restrictions imposed by the IRGC navy.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 MediaVideosIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on DisplayPahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: Family Recalls Heroism Of Adil ShahAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire Tensions123PhotostoriesTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’Navi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoymentMumbai-Pune commute set for makeover with signal-free Atal Setu linkFrom earning Rs 6,000 to working with Shah Rukh Khan, Allu Arjun, and her take on finding love again amid divorce: Hansika Motwani gets candidEssential foods to keep you cool all summer long5 silent ways children ask for attention5 psychological tricks narcissists use: Notice them early to stay safe from themGoddess Ganga names based on your birth date123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
(AP photo) NEW DELHI: Iran on Wednesday seized two vessels, one of them bound for Gujarat, against the backdrop of mounting tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the Trump-Tehran confrontation continues to intensify.The development comes close on the heels of a tense episode in which Iranian forces opened fire on an India-bound ship attempting to pass through the chokepoint, forcing it into an abrupt return. Iranian state television later reported that the ships were in the custody of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and were being taken to Iran. The vessels were identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, though their owners could not be immediately reached for comment, as AP reported.According to marine traffic data, Epaminondas, a Liberian-flagged container ship, was en route to Mundra port in Gujarat’s Kachch district. Its navigational status was listed as “stopped.”The seizures mark a sharp escalation by Iran’s leadership, which appears to be hardening its stance following earlier rounds of talks with the Trump administration that devolved into open conflict.Despite a ceasefire facilitated by Pakistan earlier on Wednesday, tensions around the vital oil chokepoint remain high, strained by continued US blockade measures and restrictions imposed by the IRGC navy.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 MediaVideosIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on DisplayPahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: Family Recalls Heroism Of Adil ShahAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire Tensions123PhotostoriesTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’Navi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoymentMumbai-Pune commute set for makeover with signal-free Atal Setu linkFrom earning Rs 6,000 to working with Shah Rukh Khan, Allu Arjun, and her take on finding love again amid divorce: Hansika Motwani gets candidEssential foods to keep you cool all summer long5 silent ways children ask for attention5 psychological tricks narcissists use: Notice them early to stay safe from themGoddess Ganga names based on your birth date123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap


Gujarat-bound ship among two vessels seized by Iran near Hormuz

NEW DELHI: Iran on Wednesday seized two vessels, one of them bound for Gujarat, against the backdrop of mounting tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the Trump-Tehran confrontation continues to intensify.The development comes close on the heels of a tense episode in which Iranian forces opened fire on an India-bound ship attempting to pass through the chokepoint, forcing it into an abrupt return.

Source: marinetraffic.com

Iranian state television later reported that the ships were in the custody of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and were being taken to Iran. The vessels were identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, though their owners could not be immediately reached for comment, as AP reported.According to marine traffic data, Epaminondas, a Liberian-flagged container ship, was en route to Mundra port in Gujarat’s Kachch district. Its navigational status was listed as “stopped.”The seizures mark a sharp escalation by Iran’s leadership, which appears to be hardening its stance following earlier rounds of talks with the Trump administration that devolved into open conflict.Despite a ceasefire facilitated by Pakistan earlier on Wednesday, tensions around the vital oil chokepoint remain high, strained by continued US blockade measures and restrictions imposed by the IRGC navy.



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Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, using a ‘#PAY2TMC’ and ‘Tolabazi’ jibe to target her party over alleged corruption and cash-for-service politics ahead of assembly polls.In a post on X, he referred to the party’s alleged cash-for-service culture and digital campaign messaging, writing: “Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Tolabazi’ now has a digital address: #PAY2TMC.”He further claimed that wall posters in Kolkata reflected public anger against the ruling party, alleging that slogans such as ‘Ration Hok Ba Chakri… Scan Korun’ exposed the ‘true nature’ of the TMC government. “Kolkata’s walls are echoing the absolute disgust of the masses. The posters stating, ‘Ration Hok Ba Chakri… Scan Korun,’ expose the true DNA of the TMC government, where every fundamental right comes with a ‘cut-money’ price tag,” he wrote. Expanding his attack, Malviya alleged widespread corruption under what he termed the “TMC’s Decade of Loot”, claiming irregularities in recruitment and public distribution systems. He cited the School Service Commission recruitment process and public distribution system as examples, alleging that merit and ration benefits were ‘siphoned off’ through corruption networks.He also said the situation reflected deep public anger in West Bengal, claiming that “the writing is literally on the wall” and that the state’s youth and poor had been “robbed blind” over the years.Malviya further escalated his attack on the ruling party, saying: “The countdown to the end of this corrupt, extortionist regime begins with Phase 1 tomorrow. Press the button to permanently log out the TMC!”West Bengal will go to polls in two phases, with voting to be held on April 23 and April 29.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 MediaVideosIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace Efforts123PhotostoriesGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoyment123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, using a ‘#PAY2TMC’ and ‘Tolabazi’ jibe to target her party over alleged corruption and cash-for-service politics ahead of assembly polls.In a post on X, he referred to the party’s alleged cash-for-service culture and digital campaign messaging, writing: “Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Tolabazi’ now has a digital address: #PAY2TMC.”He further claimed that wall posters in Kolkata reflected public anger against the ruling party, alleging that slogans such as ‘Ration Hok Ba Chakri… Scan Korun’ exposed the ‘true nature’ of the TMC government. “Kolkata’s walls are echoing the absolute disgust of the masses. The posters stating, ‘Ration Hok Ba Chakri… Scan Korun,’ expose the true DNA of the TMC government, where every fundamental right comes with a ‘cut-money’ price tag,” he wrote. Expanding his attack, Malviya alleged widespread corruption under what he termed the “TMC’s Decade of Loot”, claiming irregularities in recruitment and public distribution systems. He cited the School Service Commission recruitment process and public distribution system as examples, alleging that merit and ration benefits were ‘siphoned off’ through corruption networks.He also said the situation reflected deep public anger in West Bengal, claiming that “the writing is literally on the wall” and that the state’s youth and poor had been “robbed blind” over the years.Malviya further escalated his attack on the ruling party, saying: “The countdown to the end of this corrupt, extortionist regime begins with Phase 1 tomorrow. Press the button to permanently log out the TMC!”West Bengal will go to polls in two phases, with voting to be held on April 23 and April 29.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 MediaVideosIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace Efforts123PhotostoriesGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoyment123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna 0
“My grandfather chose India over Pakistan, ensured Murshidabad stayed in this country, and they deleted my name.” A visibly upset Chhote Nawab, Syed Reza Ali Mirza, a direct descendant of Mir Jafar, told TOI in Murshidabad. A few hundred metres away, a Hazarduari guide and a tonga puller expressed the same regret. Despite holding documents that, they say, go back more than 300 years, their names have been deleted in the SIR process. They still have deep faith in the Constitution and in the electoral process, and believe their names will eventually be restored. But the sense of disappointment, of feeling suddenly left out and marked in their own backyard, is hard to miss. Versions of that sentiment surface across several parts of south Bengal, from Chowringhee in Kolkata to Howrah Uttar and Howrah Madhya, and from Bhangar in South 24 Parganas to Deganga in North 24 Parganas, where many residents claim that despite having valid documents, they have faced the brunt of this clean-up.That anger now plays out against a shifting electoral backdrop. After adjudication, 27,16,393 of the 60,06,675 voters placed under scrutiny were deleted. At the same time, the rolls also see fresh additions through Form 6, taking the electorate to 6,82,51,008. Even after those additions, however, the total remains 83,86,521 below the pre-SIR figure, which is why the sense of hurt continues to run deep in affected neighbourhoods. Watch West Bengal Election 2026: TMC vs BJP, Who Will Win the Battle? In Tikiapara, Howrah, Hafiz, an 85-year-old rickshaw puller, challenges Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to inspect his papers and says he can match the CEC document for document. Across several minority pockets, the mood is one of simmering suspicion. Many residents see the deletions not as routine scrutiny but as deliberate exclusion. Quite a few link it directly to their perceived loyalty to the ruling Trinamool Congress. “Didi ke harate chaye EC”, “the EC wants to defeat Didi”, is a claim that comes up repeatedly. In Howrah, local Trinamool functionaries argue that such a move could backfire, because those Muslims whose names remain on the rolls may now feel even more compelled to vote for the party. Former minister and Kamarhati candidate Madan Mitra makes the point bluntly: even if only one vote remains valid, that vote goes to Trinamool. Many Muslim voters say Mamata Banerjee has ensured that communities live in relative peace, has not openly discriminated against any religion, and has kept welfare schemes flowing. In that telling, voting for the Trinamool becomes less a matter of enthusiasm than of duty and protection. That feeling appears strongest in places where the party is seen as the only viable force capable of keeping the BJP out.That consensus, however, is not uniform. In places like Bhangar, Muslim ISF supporters complain of discrimination from the TMC government in housing benefits. In Baharampur, Adhir Chowdhury accuses the ruling party of having planned a riot in 2024. Sabir Ahamed, director of the Sabar Institute, believes that, cutting across geography, the effect of SIR is likely to consolidate minority support behind the ruling party. In his reading, visible anti-incumbency among minorities on issues such as OBC reservation and the Waqf Bill has now receded behind a more immediate fear about documentation, exclusion and vulnerability. He argues that, for many, the election becomes a question of survival and they may opt for TMC which has been strident in its opposition to SIR compared to other parties like Left, Congress and ISF.Ahamed’s reading of the data is that the clean-up pattern changes between the ASDD stage (absent, shifted, dead or duplicate) and the under-adjudication stage. According to him, Muslim-dominated seats initially show a relatively high level of mapped population, while Matua areas appear more unmapped. But once the under-adjudication data is mapped against Muslim population, the pattern shifts. He says there is a clear positive correlation between the under-adjudication percentage and Muslim population. His analysis is the final rolls too bear a similar trend. He points to constituencies such as Shamsherganj, Lalgola, Bhagabangola, Metiabruz, Farakka and Mothabari as examples of places that see large deletions after scrutiny. The broader constituency data, too, shows especially heavy deletions in Murshidabad, along with significant losses in Malda, North Dinajpur, South 24 Parganas, Birbhum, and Matua-dominant pockets of North 24 Parganas and Nadia. Ahamed says places like Domkal and Farakka were over 90% mapped, but have now faced widespread deletion. The researchers have taken up Bhowanipore and Nandigram, the most talked-about constituencies in these polls for micro level analysis, and have found a disproportionately high rate of deletion among Muslims. All this shows a biased method of deletion, feels Ahamed. At the same time, not everyone agrees that this automatically translates into a clear electoral dividend for the Trinamool. Political commentator Subhamoy Maitra says there is no definitive evidence to suggest that voters in Muslim-dominated districts such as Malda, Murshidabad and North Dinajpur will shift en masse to the ruling party simply because of the large-scale deletions. Instead, he argues, those unhappy with the government may still repose their faith in the Congress and the Left. Referring to the 2024 general election results, he notes that the third front improved its vote share from 2021 and still retains a meaningful base. On the broader clean-up, he says the deletion of around 58.2 lakh ASDD names in the draft roll could potentially hurt the ruling party, which has long prided itself on its organisational strength, but he cautions against drawing any straightforward conclusion. The Congress ran an aggressive campaign in Malda and Murshidabad, with Rahul Gandhi leading the way in Shamsherganj. The party has more than a chance in places like Sujapur, Malatipur, Ratua and Chanchal in Malda, and Jalangi, Lalgola, Baharampur, Sagardighi and Farakka in Murshidabad. Similarly, the Left fancies its chances in seats like Khargram, Kandi, Domkal and Murshidabad. In Chopra, Karandighi and Chakulia in North Dinajpur, and Kumarganj in South Dinajpur, proper three- or four-way contests are expected. In such contests, even a slight shift in loyalty can tip the balance of power. With keeping the BJP at bay remaining the primary objective, the minority community is likely to weigh its options carefully.It is no secret that Muslim voters have steadily moved towards the Trinamool since 2011. With Muslims accounting for around 27% of Bengal’s population, they often hold the difference between the victor and the vanquished. In the two Muslim-majority districts of Malda and Murshidabad, the Trinamool’s vote share rose by close to 10 percentage points between 2011 and 2021. During the same period, Muslim representation in the Congress and the Left collapsed, while the Trinamool’s rose sharply. Yet 2024 also shows that the ruling party is not unshakeable in these belts. It slipped in Murshidabad and fell behind in all 12 assembly segments of Malda. That is what keeps the Congress and the Left relevant, even if their lack of alliance, and the presence of formations such as Humayun Kabir’s AJUP, make the picture more complicated.Many believe Mamata Banerjee’s inclusive politics has won the approval of minorities. Others argue she has simply treated them as a captive vote bank. Either way, minority support remains one of the main pillars of the Trinamool’s electoral strength. Post-SIR, the anger among minority voters is undeniable. The question is whether it is substantial enough to consolidate support behind Didi to help her secure a fourth term, escaping clear signs of anti-incumbency. We will know in a few days’ time.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also Arrested123PhotostoriesOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoymentMumbai-Pune commute set for makeover with signal-free Atal Setu linkFrom earning Rs 6,000 to working with Shah Rukh Khan, Allu Arjun, and her take on finding love again amid divorce: Hansika Motwani gets candid123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap

“My grandfather chose India over Pakistan, ensured Murshidabad stayed in this country, and they deleted my name.” A visibly upset Chhote Nawab, Syed Reza Ali Mirza, a direct descendant of Mir Jafar, told TOI in Murshidabad. A few hundred metres away, a Hazarduari guide and a tonga puller expressed the same regret. Despite holding documents that, they say, go back more than 300 years, their names have been deleted in the SIR process. They still have deep faith in the Constitution and in the electoral process, and believe their names will eventually be restored. But the sense of disappointment, of feeling suddenly left out and marked in their own backyard, is hard to miss. Versions of that sentiment surface across several parts of south Bengal, from Chowringhee in Kolkata to Howrah Uttar and Howrah Madhya, and from Bhangar in South 24 Parganas to Deganga in North 24 Parganas, where many residents claim that despite having valid documents, they have faced the brunt of this clean-up.That anger now plays out against a shifting electoral backdrop. After adjudication, 27,16,393 of the 60,06,675 voters placed under scrutiny were deleted. At the same time, the rolls also see fresh additions through Form 6, taking the electorate to 6,82,51,008. Even after those additions, however, the total remains 83,86,521 below the pre-SIR figure, which is why the sense of hurt continues to run deep in affected neighbourhoods. Watch West Bengal Election 2026: TMC vs BJP, Who Will Win the Battle? In Tikiapara, Howrah, Hafiz, an 85-year-old rickshaw puller, challenges Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to inspect his papers and says he can match the CEC document for document. Across several minority pockets, the mood is one of simmering suspicion. Many residents see the deletions not as routine scrutiny but as deliberate exclusion. Quite a few link it directly to their perceived loyalty to the ruling Trinamool Congress. “Didi ke harate chaye EC”, “the EC wants to defeat Didi”, is a claim that comes up repeatedly. In Howrah, local Trinamool functionaries argue that such a move could backfire, because those Muslims whose names remain on the rolls may now feel even more compelled to vote for the party. Former minister and Kamarhati candidate Madan Mitra makes the point bluntly: even if only one vote remains valid, that vote goes to Trinamool. Many Muslim voters say Mamata Banerjee has ensured that communities live in relative peace, has not openly discriminated against any religion, and has kept welfare schemes flowing. In that telling, voting for the Trinamool becomes less a matter of enthusiasm than of duty and protection. That feeling appears strongest in places where the party is seen as the only viable force capable of keeping the BJP out.That consensus, however, is not uniform. In places like Bhangar, Muslim ISF supporters complain of discrimination from the TMC government in housing benefits. In Baharampur, Adhir Chowdhury accuses the ruling party of having planned a riot in 2024. Sabir Ahamed, director of the Sabar Institute, believes that, cutting across geography, the effect of SIR is likely to consolidate minority support behind the ruling party. In his reading, visible anti-incumbency among minorities on issues such as OBC reservation and the Waqf Bill has now receded behind a more immediate fear about documentation, exclusion and vulnerability. He argues that, for many, the election becomes a question of survival and they may opt for TMC which has been strident in its opposition to SIR compared to other parties like Left, Congress and ISF.Ahamed’s reading of the data is that the clean-up pattern changes between the ASDD stage (absent, shifted, dead or duplicate) and the under-adjudication stage. According to him, Muslim-dominated seats initially show a relatively high level of mapped population, while Matua areas appear more unmapped. But once the under-adjudication data is mapped against Muslim population, the pattern shifts. He says there is a clear positive correlation between the under-adjudication percentage and Muslim population. His analysis is the final rolls too bear a similar trend. He points to constituencies such as Shamsherganj, Lalgola, Bhagabangola, Metiabruz, Farakka and Mothabari as examples of places that see large deletions after scrutiny. The broader constituency data, too, shows especially heavy deletions in Murshidabad, along with significant losses in Malda, North Dinajpur, South 24 Parganas, Birbhum, and Matua-dominant pockets of North 24 Parganas and Nadia. Ahamed says places like Domkal and Farakka were over 90% mapped, but have now faced widespread deletion. The researchers have taken up Bhowanipore and Nandigram, the most talked-about constituencies in these polls for micro level analysis, and have found a disproportionately high rate of deletion among Muslims. All this shows a biased method of deletion, feels Ahamed. At the same time, not everyone agrees that this automatically translates into a clear electoral dividend for the Trinamool. Political commentator Subhamoy Maitra says there is no definitive evidence to suggest that voters in Muslim-dominated districts such as Malda, Murshidabad and North Dinajpur will shift en masse to the ruling party simply because of the large-scale deletions. Instead, he argues, those unhappy with the government may still repose their faith in the Congress and the Left. Referring to the 2024 general election results, he notes that the third front improved its vote share from 2021 and still retains a meaningful base. On the broader clean-up, he says the deletion of around 58.2 lakh ASDD names in the draft roll could potentially hurt the ruling party, which has long prided itself on its organisational strength, but he cautions against drawing any straightforward conclusion. The Congress ran an aggressive campaign in Malda and Murshidabad, with Rahul Gandhi leading the way in Shamsherganj. The party has more than a chance in places like Sujapur, Malatipur, Ratua and Chanchal in Malda, and Jalangi, Lalgola, Baharampur, Sagardighi and Farakka in Murshidabad. Similarly, the Left fancies its chances in seats like Khargram, Kandi, Domkal and Murshidabad. In Chopra, Karandighi and Chakulia in North Dinajpur, and Kumarganj in South Dinajpur, proper three- or four-way contests are expected. In such contests, even a slight shift in loyalty can tip the balance of power. With keeping the BJP at bay remaining the primary objective, the minority community is likely to weigh its options carefully.It is no secret that Muslim voters have steadily moved towards the Trinamool since 2011. With Muslims accounting for around 27% of Bengal’s population, they often hold the difference between the victor and the vanquished. In the two Muslim-majority districts of Malda and Murshidabad, the Trinamool’s vote share rose by close to 10 percentage points between 2011 and 2021. During the same period, Muslim representation in the Congress and the Left collapsed, while the Trinamool’s rose sharply. Yet 2024 also shows that the ruling party is not unshakeable in these belts. It slipped in Murshidabad and fell behind in all 12 assembly segments of Malda. That is what keeps the Congress and the Left relevant, even if their lack of alliance, and the presence of formations such as Humayun Kabir’s AJUP, make the picture more complicated.Many believe Mamata Banerjee’s inclusive politics has won the approval of minorities. Others argue she has simply treated them as a captive vote bank. Either way, minority support remains one of the main pillars of the Trinamool’s electoral strength. Post-SIR, the anger among minority voters is undeniable. The question is whether it is substantial enough to consolidate support behind Didi to help her secure a fourth term, escaping clear signs of anti-incumbency. 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