May 5, 2026

Supreme Court (File Image) NEW DELHI: Castigating Orissa high court and judiciary for imposing “clean police station bail conditions” on tribal and Dalit villagers arrested in cases of violent protest against Vedanta’s bauxite mining in Rayagada and Kalahandi, Supreme Court Monday quashed these conditions, terming them “abhorrent, cruel, degrading and unknown to law”.The HC, while granting bail to Laxman Naik, had said, “He shall clean the premises of Kashipur police station in the morning hour (between 6 am to 9 am) for two months from the date of his actual release…”. The police station’s in-charge will “provide cleaning articles like broom, phenyl and other items to the petitioner so that he can clean the said premises”, it said.Taking suo motu cognizance of news reports about Odisha courts imposing the “clean police station every day between 6 am and 9 am bail conditions” while releasing the arrested tribals and Dalits, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said such orders negate the apex court’s 75-year-long efforts to zealously guard life, liberty, dignity and equality of every citizen.The bench said, “We are deeply disappointed and express our strongest disapproval of the manner in which the Odisha state judiciary has in fact regressed its mindset by imposing such onerous, degrading and humiliating conditions which are ex-facie violative of human rights.”Such conditions far from advancing the cause of justice strike at the dignity of the accused and proceed on the premise of their guilt, which is totally impermissible in law, it said. “We accordingly declare as null and void all such conditions or similar conditions imposed by the state judiciary while granting bail,” the bench said and directed all Odisha courts to forthwith delete such bail conditions.The bench said that assuming such conditions were imposed inadvertently and without any pre-meditated bias, “the nature of the bail condition is so abhorrent, cruel, degrading and unknown to law that it carries the potential to cast a serious aspersion suggesting that Odisha judiciary is afflicted with caste-based bias. Such conditions are never imposed on accused from privileged class of society, it said.Cautioning all trial courts and HCs across the country never to impose such conditions while granting bail, the bench quashed the objectionable bail conditions imposed on the tribal and Dalit villagers in Odisha and said appropriate substitution of the conditions would be made without interfering with their liberty.Odisha advocate general Pitambar Acharyasaid the prosecution will take steps to facilitate alteration of bail conditions.SC asked HC’s registrar general to file a compliance report within four weeks.Follow the latest election results 2026, live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends and full coverage for Tamil Nadu election results, West Bengal election results, Kerala election results, Assam election results and Puducherry election results results on Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment CaseBJP MP Sandeep Pathak Claims ‘No Information’ On FIRs, Alleges Misuse Of State Machinery In PunjabIndian Startup Launches Mission Drishti, World’s First OptoSAR Satellite, Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9Diljit Dosanjh Confronts Khalistan Supporters at Calgary Concert, Explains KBC Appearance123Photostories5 Met Gala food rules you probably did not knowMetrics used in India to measure homes and how to convert them easilyStruggling in a 400 sq ft home? These design tricks can make it feel twice as big8 Delhi street food spots you must visit at least once in your lifeBad Bunny to Colman Domingo: Met Gala 2026 best-dressed menBeautiful plants you can grow without soil10 popular and unique baby boy names with letter JKaran Johar’s Met Gala debut is pure drama and deeply rooted in Indian artMorning affirmation at 5 am: This is what your mind needs to hearFrom Tomatoes to Beetroot: 7 red foods that protect our heart every day123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingWest Bengal Assembly Election ResultsAssam Assembly Election ResultsTamil Nadu Assembly Election ResultsKerala Assembly Election ResultsPuducherry Assembly Election ResultsBhabanipur election results 2026West Bengal Election Results 2026NEET 2026: Exam-day guideHPBose 12th ResultTVK Chief Vijay

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Supreme Court (File Image) NEW DELHI: Castigating Orissa high court and judiciary for imposing “clean police station bail conditions” on tribal and Dalit villagers arrested in cases of violent protest against Vedanta’s bauxite mining in Rayagada and Kalahandi, Supreme Court Monday quashed these conditions, terming them “abhorrent, cruel, degrading and unknown to law”.The HC, while granting bail to Laxman Naik, had said, “He shall clean the premises of Kashipur police station in the morning hour (between 6 am to 9 am) for two months from the date of his actual release…”. The police station’s in-charge will “provide cleaning articles like broom, phenyl and other items to the petitioner so that he can clean the said premises”, it said.Taking suo motu cognizance of news reports about Odisha courts imposing the “clean police station every day between 6 am and 9 am bail conditions” while releasing the arrested tribals and Dalits, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said such orders negate the apex court’s 75-year-long efforts to zealously guard life, liberty, dignity and equality of every citizen.The bench said, “We are deeply disappointed and express our strongest disapproval of the manner in which the Odisha state judiciary has in fact regressed its mindset by imposing such onerous, degrading and humiliating conditions which are ex-facie violative of human rights.”Such conditions far from advancing the cause of justice strike at the dignity of the accused and proceed on the premise of their guilt, which is totally impermissible in law, it said. “We accordingly declare as null and void all such conditions or similar conditions imposed by the state judiciary while granting bail,” the bench said and directed all Odisha courts to forthwith delete such bail conditions.The bench said that assuming such conditions were imposed inadvertently and without any pre-meditated bias, “the nature of the bail condition is so abhorrent, cruel, degrading and unknown to law that it carries the potential to cast a serious aspersion suggesting that Odisha judiciary is afflicted with caste-based bias. Such conditions are never imposed on accused from privileged class of society, it said.Cautioning all trial courts and HCs across the country never to impose such conditions while granting bail, the bench quashed the objectionable bail conditions imposed on the tribal and Dalit villagers in Odisha and said appropriate substitution of the conditions would be made without interfering with their liberty.Odisha advocate general Pitambar Acharyasaid the prosecution will take steps to facilitate alteration of bail conditions.SC asked HC’s registrar general to file a compliance report within four weeks.Follow the latest election results 2026, live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends and full coverage for Tamil Nadu election results, West Bengal election results, Kerala election results, Assam election results and Puducherry election results results on Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment CaseBJP MP Sandeep Pathak Claims ‘No Information’ On FIRs, Alleges Misuse Of State Machinery In PunjabIndian Startup Launches Mission Drishti, World’s First OptoSAR Satellite, Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9Diljit Dosanjh Confronts Khalistan Supporters at Calgary Concert, Explains KBC Appearance123Photostories5 Met Gala food rules you probably did not knowMetrics used in India to measure homes and how to convert them easilyStruggling in a 400 sq ft home? These design tricks can make it feel twice as big8 Delhi street food spots you must visit at least once in your lifeBad Bunny to Colman Domingo: Met Gala 2026 best-dressed menBeautiful plants you can grow without soil10 popular and unique baby boy names with letter JKaran Johar’s Met Gala debut is pure drama and deeply rooted in Indian artMorning affirmation at 5 am: This is what your mind needs to hearFrom Tomatoes to Beetroot: 7 red foods that protect our heart every day123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingWest Bengal Assembly Election ResultsAssam Assembly Election ResultsTamil Nadu Assembly Election ResultsKerala Assembly Election ResultsPuducherry Assembly Election ResultsBhabanipur election results 2026West Bengal Election Results 2026NEET 2026: Exam-day guideHPBose 12th ResultTVK Chief Vijay


'Clean thana' bail condition for tribals & Dalits degrading: Supreme Court

Supreme Court (File Image)

NEW DELHI: Castigating Orissa high court and judiciary for imposing “clean police station bail conditions” on tribal and Dalit villagers arrested in cases of violent protest against Vedanta’s bauxite mining in Rayagada and Kalahandi, Supreme Court Monday quashed these conditions, terming them “abhorrent, cruel, degrading and unknown to law”.The HC, while granting bail to Laxman Naik, had said, “He shall clean the premises of Kashipur police station in the morning hour (between 6 am to 9 am) for two months from the date of his actual release…”. The police station’s in-charge will “provide cleaning articles like broom, phenyl and other items to the petitioner so that he can clean the said premises”, it said.Taking suo motu cognizance of news reports about Odisha courts imposing the “clean police station every day between 6 am and 9 am bail conditions” while releasing the arrested tribals and Dalits, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said such orders negate the apex court’s 75-year-long efforts to zealously guard life, liberty, dignity and equality of every citizen.The bench said, “We are deeply disappointed and express our strongest disapproval of the manner in which the Odisha state judiciary has in fact regressed its mindset by imposing such onerous, degrading and humiliating conditions which are ex-facie violative of human rights.”Such conditions far from advancing the cause of justice strike at the dignity of the accused and proceed on the premise of their guilt, which is totally impermissible in law, it said. “We accordingly declare as null and void all such conditions or similar conditions imposed by the state judiciary while granting bail,” the bench said and directed all Odisha courts to forthwith delete such bail conditions.The bench said that assuming such conditions were imposed inadvertently and without any pre-meditated bias, “the nature of the bail condition is so abhorrent, cruel, degrading and unknown to law that it carries the potential to cast a serious aspersion suggesting that Odisha judiciary is afflicted with caste-based bias. Such conditions are never imposed on accused from privileged class of society, it said.Cautioning all trial courts and HCs across the country never to impose such conditions while granting bail, the bench quashed the objectionable bail conditions imposed on the tribal and Dalit villagers in Odisha and said appropriate substitution of the conditions would be made without interfering with their liberty.Odisha advocate general Pitambar Acharyasaid the prosecution will take steps to facilitate alteration of bail conditions.SC asked HC’s registrar general to file a compliance report within four weeks.



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BJP supporters celebrate majority in the West Bengal Assembly elections in Kolkata on Monday. (ANI photo) West Bengal has turned saffron. Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year rule has ended and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to form its first government in the state. So, what contributed to this decisive political shift in the state’s electoral landscape? Well, there were multiple factors that contributed to the outcome, but the one that was most contentious was the revision of the electoral rolls – SIR. How SIR became the defining issue of the electionsThe Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls emerged as a central and deeply contested factor shaping the 2026 West Bengal electoral contest. The exercise led to the removal of close to 91 lakh names — roughly 12% of the electorate — significantly altering the voter base ahead of polling. Of these, over 60 lakh were classified as deceased, while the status of 27 lakh remained pending or under scrutiny.According to various reports, a large proportion of those affected were Muslims, while sections of the Matua community and many Hindus were also impacted. BJP framed the SIR as a necessary clean-up of electoral rolls aimed at removing ‘illegal’ or duplicate entries. But Mamata’s party countered this and described the exercise as systematic disenfranchisement leading to open war of words.Regardless of these competing narratives, the scale and spread of deletions reshaped voting trends in a manner that coincided with BJP’s surge across the state. The total voter base dropped from over 7.66 crore to around 7.04 crore, excluding those still under adjudication.How SIR impacted the 2026 state elections in BengalElectoral data: Mapping SIR deletions to outcomesA closer look at constituency-level outcomes suggests a strong correlation between SIR-linked deletions and BJP’s gains.BJP improved its performance across seats that witnessed sizeable deletions, irrespective of whether the number of names removed exceeded 25,000 or fell below that threshold. In 169 assembly constituencies where more than 25,000 names were deleted, TMC had dominated in 2021, winning 128 seats compared to BJP’s 41. This time, however, the balance shifted significantly.In the remaining 124 seats, where deletions were lower than 25,000, BJP’s tally rose dramatically from 36 in 2021 to 108 — marking a three-fold increase. This indicates that party’s gains were not limited to areas with the highest deletions but extended across a broader electoral spectrum influenced by the revision exercise.Among the 38 constituencies where ‘logical discrepancy’ deletions were the highest, TMC had won 34 seats in 2021. In the current election, its tally dropped to 22, underlining the erosion of its earlier dominance in these pockets.Even in high-deletion zones, however, outcomes were not uniform. Among the six constituencies with the highest SIR deletions, TMC managed to retain only four — Chowringhee, Shamsherganj, Metiaburuz and Kolkata Port — while BJP captured Jorasanko and Howrah North. Notably, all six seats had been won by the Mamata-led party in the previous election.Apart from Jorasanko, BJP made significant inroads in Kolkata and bordering areas, securing victories in Maniktala, Shyampukur and Cossipore-Belgachhia in Kolkata North, and extended its gains to Rashbehari, Behala East, Bidhannagar, Baranagar, Dum Dum, Dum Dum North and Rajarhat-Gopalpur. It also won seats in Behala West, Tollygunge and Jadavpur — all constituencies that had recorded over 25,000 deletions and were previously held by Trinamool.Farakka was one of the exceptions. Despite witnessing over 25,000 deletions, BJP failed to win the seat. Congress candidate Motab Shaikh, whose name had initially been removed during the SIR, successfully appealed through an appellate tribunal — one of 19 set up following Supreme Court directions — and secured restoration of his voting rights. He went on to win the seat by beating BJP candidate Sunil Chowdhuri with a margin of 8,193 votes.Margins, deletions and electoral impactThe relationship between deletions and victory margins further underscores SIR’s impact. Of the 187 seats that saw over 5,000 names deleted, BJP won 119. In these constituencies, the number of excluded voters exceeded the margin of victory in 47 seats.Within BJP’s tally of 119 seats, 28 recorded deletions higher than the victory margin of its candidates. Of these, 26 had been won by Trinamool in 2021.Among the 20 constituencies with the highest number of deletions after adjudication, TMC won 13, BJP six and the Congress one. However, in the 2021 elections, all 20 had been secured by the Trinamool, highlighting the relative disadvantage it faced this time.BJP’s ‘security fortress’ to ensure smooth SIR processThe SIR exercise was accompanied by an unprecedented security deployment. Over 2.4 lakh personnel from Central Armed Police Forces were stationed across West Bengal — more than three times the levels seen in 2021 — creating what the BJP described as a ‘security fortress’.The extensive deployment, coupled with tighter oversight by the Election Commission of India, became another key pillar in enabling what the BJP described as “free and fair voting” in a politically volatile state.At one stage, Mamata approached the Supreme Court over the use of only central government employees as vote-counting supervisors, but the court declined to intervene.The Matua factor: Identity, anxiety and consolidationThe Matua community emerged as another critical electoral variable shaped by the SIR exercise. Despite discontent over large-scale deletions and anxieties surrounding citizenship documentation under the CAA, BJP retained its foothold in Matua-dominated regions such as Bongaon and Nadia.The removal of approximately 1.2 lakh names under SIR triggered social and political tensions in these areas. In Nadia’s six assembly constituencies, over 90% of those placed under adjudication did not make it to the final electoral rolls. A similar pattern was observed in Bongaon, where deletion rates ranged from 67% to 88%.Bagdah became a focal point of this contest, witnessing a high-profile battle within the influential Thakurbari family. BJP candidate Soma Thakur defeated Trinamool MLA Madhuparna Thakur by 34,321 votes. BJP also retained Bongaon Uttar and secured Haringhata with substantial margins.Despite concerns over exclusion, the Matua electorate — a marginalised Hindu sect primarily comprising the Namasudra scheduled caste group — appeared to consolidate behind BJP.Disenfranchisement vs electoral integrity Clearly, the SIR exercise was the most dominant narrative throughout the elections and will continue to be debated for times to come. The opposition sees SIR as a tool to target and purge its voters, while BJP justifies it as a much-needed exercise to cleanse electoral rolls.Follow the latest election results 2026, live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends and full coverage for Tamil Nadu election results, West Bengal election results, Kerala election results, Assam election results and Puducherry election results results on Times of India.About the AuthorNatasha SinghPrincipal Digital Content ProducerEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Democracy Being Mocked”: Bhagwant Mann Meets President Over Defection of 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPsNCERT Clears Revised Class 8 Textbook After Judiciary Chapter Row And Public ApologyPM Modi call Fujairah Attack ‘Unacceptable’, Three Indians Injured In UAEPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment Case123PhotostoriesAfter BJP’s Bengal sweep, all eyes on CM face: Who will take charge?From fight with Rupali Ganguly to shocking casting couch experience: Anupamaa’s Madalsa Sharma gets candid5 most common places where snakes can hide in homes in the US (You might miss some out, right in front of your eyes)Met Gala debuts: From Sunday Rose to Lila Moss, the most iconic celeb kids debut over the yearsWhich are the most common surnames around the world? Things travellers should know10 early signs your child may be exceptionally brightVenus Williams to Naomi Osaka: Best dressed athletes at Met Gala 2026″I do enjoy cooking at times”: R.Madhavan on his connection with cooking and his 10 vegetarian South Indian breakfast choices5 common parenting mistakes that create emotional distanceBengaluru’s traffic puzzle grows bigger: Another key flyover marked for demolition123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingKiran MazumdarRahul GandhiBadruddin AjmalIPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosIPL 2026 Points TableMI IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosPM ModiNEET 2026: Exam-day guideSRMJEEE 2026 Phase 1 ResultTVK Chief Vijay

BJP supporters celebrate majority in the West Bengal Assembly elections in Kolkata on Monday. (ANI photo) West Bengal has turned saffron. Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year rule has ended and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to form its first government in the state. So, what contributed to this decisive political shift in the state’s electoral landscape? Well, there were multiple factors that contributed to the outcome, but the one that was most contentious was the revision of the electoral rolls – SIR. How SIR became the defining issue of the electionsThe Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls emerged as a central and deeply contested factor shaping the 2026 West Bengal electoral contest. The exercise led to the removal of close to 91 lakh names — roughly 12% of the electorate — significantly altering the voter base ahead of polling. Of these, over 60 lakh were classified as deceased, while the status of 27 lakh remained pending or under scrutiny.According to various reports, a large proportion of those affected were Muslims, while sections of the Matua community and many Hindus were also impacted. BJP framed the SIR as a necessary clean-up of electoral rolls aimed at removing ‘illegal’ or duplicate entries. But Mamata’s party countered this and described the exercise as systematic disenfranchisement leading to open war of words.Regardless of these competing narratives, the scale and spread of deletions reshaped voting trends in a manner that coincided with BJP’s surge across the state. The total voter base dropped from over 7.66 crore to around 7.04 crore, excluding those still under adjudication.How SIR impacted the 2026 state elections in BengalElectoral data: Mapping SIR deletions to outcomesA closer look at constituency-level outcomes suggests a strong correlation between SIR-linked deletions and BJP’s gains.BJP improved its performance across seats that witnessed sizeable deletions, irrespective of whether the number of names removed exceeded 25,000 or fell below that threshold. In 169 assembly constituencies where more than 25,000 names were deleted, TMC had dominated in 2021, winning 128 seats compared to BJP’s 41. This time, however, the balance shifted significantly.In the remaining 124 seats, where deletions were lower than 25,000, BJP’s tally rose dramatically from 36 in 2021 to 108 — marking a three-fold increase. This indicates that party’s gains were not limited to areas with the highest deletions but extended across a broader electoral spectrum influenced by the revision exercise.Among the 38 constituencies where ‘logical discrepancy’ deletions were the highest, TMC had won 34 seats in 2021. In the current election, its tally dropped to 22, underlining the erosion of its earlier dominance in these pockets.Even in high-deletion zones, however, outcomes were not uniform. Among the six constituencies with the highest SIR deletions, TMC managed to retain only four — Chowringhee, Shamsherganj, Metiaburuz and Kolkata Port — while BJP captured Jorasanko and Howrah North. Notably, all six seats had been won by the Mamata-led party in the previous election.Apart from Jorasanko, BJP made significant inroads in Kolkata and bordering areas, securing victories in Maniktala, Shyampukur and Cossipore-Belgachhia in Kolkata North, and extended its gains to Rashbehari, Behala East, Bidhannagar, Baranagar, Dum Dum, Dum Dum North and Rajarhat-Gopalpur. It also won seats in Behala West, Tollygunge and Jadavpur — all constituencies that had recorded over 25,000 deletions and were previously held by Trinamool.Farakka was one of the exceptions. Despite witnessing over 25,000 deletions, BJP failed to win the seat. Congress candidate Motab Shaikh, whose name had initially been removed during the SIR, successfully appealed through an appellate tribunal — one of 19 set up following Supreme Court directions — and secured restoration of his voting rights. He went on to win the seat by beating BJP candidate Sunil Chowdhuri with a margin of 8,193 votes.Margins, deletions and electoral impactThe relationship between deletions and victory margins further underscores SIR’s impact. Of the 187 seats that saw over 5,000 names deleted, BJP won 119. In these constituencies, the number of excluded voters exceeded the margin of victory in 47 seats.Within BJP’s tally of 119 seats, 28 recorded deletions higher than the victory margin of its candidates. Of these, 26 had been won by Trinamool in 2021.Among the 20 constituencies with the highest number of deletions after adjudication, TMC won 13, BJP six and the Congress one. However, in the 2021 elections, all 20 had been secured by the Trinamool, highlighting the relative disadvantage it faced this time.BJP’s ‘security fortress’ to ensure smooth SIR processThe SIR exercise was accompanied by an unprecedented security deployment. Over 2.4 lakh personnel from Central Armed Police Forces were stationed across West Bengal — more than three times the levels seen in 2021 — creating what the BJP described as a ‘security fortress’.The extensive deployment, coupled with tighter oversight by the Election Commission of India, became another key pillar in enabling what the BJP described as “free and fair voting” in a politically volatile state.At one stage, Mamata approached the Supreme Court over the use of only central government employees as vote-counting supervisors, but the court declined to intervene.The Matua factor: Identity, anxiety and consolidationThe Matua community emerged as another critical electoral variable shaped by the SIR exercise. Despite discontent over large-scale deletions and anxieties surrounding citizenship documentation under the CAA, BJP retained its foothold in Matua-dominated regions such as Bongaon and Nadia.The removal of approximately 1.2 lakh names under SIR triggered social and political tensions in these areas. In Nadia’s six assembly constituencies, over 90% of those placed under adjudication did not make it to the final electoral rolls. A similar pattern was observed in Bongaon, where deletion rates ranged from 67% to 88%.Bagdah became a focal point of this contest, witnessing a high-profile battle within the influential Thakurbari family. BJP candidate Soma Thakur defeated Trinamool MLA Madhuparna Thakur by 34,321 votes. BJP also retained Bongaon Uttar and secured Haringhata with substantial margins.Despite concerns over exclusion, the Matua electorate — a marginalised Hindu sect primarily comprising the Namasudra scheduled caste group — appeared to consolidate behind BJP.Disenfranchisement vs electoral integrity Clearly, the SIR exercise was the most dominant narrative throughout the elections and will continue to be debated for times to come. The opposition sees SIR as a tool to target and purge its voters, while BJP justifies it as a much-needed exercise to cleanse electoral rolls.Follow the latest election results 2026, live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends and full coverage for Tamil Nadu election results, West Bengal election results, Kerala election results, Assam election results and Puducherry election results results on Times of India.About the AuthorNatasha SinghPrincipal Digital Content ProducerEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Democracy Being Mocked”: Bhagwant Mann Meets President Over Defection of 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPsNCERT Clears Revised Class 8 Textbook After Judiciary Chapter Row And Public ApologyPM Modi call Fujairah Attack ‘Unacceptable’, Three Indians Injured In UAEPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment Case123PhotostoriesAfter BJP’s Bengal sweep, all eyes on CM face: Who will take charge?From fight with Rupali Ganguly to shocking casting couch experience: Anupamaa’s Madalsa Sharma gets candid5 most common places where snakes can hide in homes in the US (You might miss some out, right in front of your eyes)Met Gala debuts: From Sunday Rose to Lila Moss, the most iconic celeb kids debut over the yearsWhich are the most common surnames around the world? Things travellers should know10 early signs your child may be exceptionally brightVenus Williams to Naomi Osaka: Best dressed athletes at Met Gala 2026″I do enjoy cooking at times”: R.Madhavan on his connection with cooking and his 10 vegetarian South Indian breakfast choices5 common parenting mistakes that create emotional distanceBengaluru’s traffic puzzle grows bigger: Another key flyover marked for demolition123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingKiran MazumdarRahul GandhiBadruddin AjmalIPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosIPL 2026 Points TableMI IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosPM ModiNEET 2026: Exam-day guideSRMJEEE 2026 Phase 1 ResultTVK Chief Vijay

Vamsikrishna 0
. Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress in Kerala is entering a crucial phase following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the Assembly elections, with the party now tasked with choosing its chief ministerial candidate amid competing claims from senior functionaries.The tussle surfaced even before results, with senior Congress figures openly debating the chief minister’s post after polling, confident of a UDF return. The situation intensified enough for the AICC to step in to contain infighting. Three contenders—K. C. Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and V. D. Satheesan—have emerged as frontrunners. Watch Shashi Tharoor Calls for Policy Reset and Economic Revival, Kerala Poll verdict 2026Satheesan has gained momentum following the emphatic win, having predicted a 100seat sweep and defeats of several LDF ministers—claims that largely materialised. Party insiders credit his leadership, campaign strategy, and grassroots mobilisation, with several UDF allies backing him.Party insiders credit Satheesan’s leadership, campaign strategy, and candidate selection for the UDF’s decisive win. His ability to mobilise grassroots workers and secure strong backing from coalition partners has further strengthened his position. Several UDF constituents have already indicated their support for him as the natural choice for CM.Chennithala remains a strong contender, citing his long tenure as leader of opposition from 2016 to 2021 and his active role during the campaign. At the same time, Venugopal, a senior AICC functionary, continues to command support from a section of leaders within the state unit.With the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting expected soon, the focus is on whether the party reachesconsensus or faces a divided mandate, with AICC likely to play a key role again.Follow the latest election results 2026, live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends and full coverage for Tamil Nadu election results, West Bengal election results, Kerala election results, Assam election results and Puducherry election results results on Times of India.About the AuthorRajiv GRajiv G is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Times of India, bringing over two decades of journalistic experience and editorial expertise to the newsroom. He began his journey in 1998 with The Indian Express in Coimbatore before moving on to Deccan Chronicle in Hyderabad and later The New Indian Express in Hyderabad and Bangalore, and later in Kerala where he spent a decade covering some of the most defining stories. Since joining The Times of India in 2011, Rajiv has been at the forefront of reporting on Kerala’s health and political landscape. His sustained coverage of the health sector since 2005 has contributed to public awareness and policy discourse, while his political reporting since 2008 has provided readers with sharp, well-informed perspectives. His work has been widely recognized, earning him honors from the Indian Medical Association, the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association, and the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association. He was also conferred the *Best Reporter Award* by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, where he has held leadership roles as Secretary and President.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment CaseBJP MP Sandeep Pathak Claims ‘No Information’ On FIRs, Alleges Misuse Of State Machinery In PunjabIndian Startup Launches Mission Drishti, World’s First OptoSAR Satellite, Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9Diljit Dosanjh Confronts Khalistan Supporters at Calgary Concert, Explains KBC Appearance123PhotostoriesThe simple breathing habit Sri Sri Ravi Shankar suggests to reduce stress instantlyHantavirus: As WHO shares the symptoms of the infected patients, Delhi NCR doctor reveals how a mild fever can become a life-threatening lung emergencySoaked raisins health benefits: Why eating soaked kishmish daily supports digestion, heart health, and natural energyPrasidh Krishna’s Bengaluru Home: A look at the cricketer’s stylish private retreatIndian billionaire Sudha Reddy stuns at Met Gala 2026 – but it’s her ₹142 crore tanzanite necklace that has everyone talkingElon Musk’s 9 am high-protein breakfast includes these 3 foods5 Met Gala food rules you probably did not knowFrom Garlic to selfies: What items are banned at the MET Gala?Metrics used in India to measure homes and how to convert them easilyStruggling in a 400 sq ft home? These design tricks can make it feel twice as big123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingWest Bengal Assembly Election ResultsAssam Assembly Election ResultsTamil Nadu Assembly Election ResultsKerala Assembly Election ResultsPuducherry Assembly Election ResultsBhabanipur election results 2026West Bengal Election Results 2026NEET 2026: Exam-day guideHPBose 12th ResultTVK Chief Vijay

. Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress in Kerala is entering a crucial phase following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the Assembly elections, with the party now tasked with choosing its chief ministerial candidate amid competing claims from senior functionaries.The tussle surfaced even before results, with senior Congress figures openly debating the chief minister’s post after polling, confident of a UDF return. The situation intensified enough for the AICC to step in to contain infighting. Three contenders—K. C. Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and V. D. Satheesan—have emerged as frontrunners. Watch Shashi Tharoor Calls for Policy Reset and Economic Revival, Kerala Poll verdict 2026Satheesan has gained momentum following the emphatic win, having predicted a 100seat sweep and defeats of several LDF ministers—claims that largely materialised. Party insiders credit his leadership, campaign strategy, and grassroots mobilisation, with several UDF allies backing him.Party insiders credit Satheesan’s leadership, campaign strategy, and candidate selection for the UDF’s decisive win. His ability to mobilise grassroots workers and secure strong backing from coalition partners has further strengthened his position. Several UDF constituents have already indicated their support for him as the natural choice for CM.Chennithala remains a strong contender, citing his long tenure as leader of opposition from 2016 to 2021 and his active role during the campaign. At the same time, Venugopal, a senior AICC functionary, continues to command support from a section of leaders within the state unit.With the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting expected soon, the focus is on whether the party reachesconsensus or faces a divided mandate, with AICC likely to play a key role again.Follow the latest election results 2026, live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends and full coverage for Tamil Nadu election results, West Bengal election results, Kerala election results, Assam election results and Puducherry election results results on Times of India.About the AuthorRajiv GRajiv G is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Times of India, bringing over two decades of journalistic experience and editorial expertise to the newsroom. He began his journey in 1998 with The Indian Express in Coimbatore before moving on to Deccan Chronicle in Hyderabad and later The New Indian Express in Hyderabad and Bangalore, and later in Kerala where he spent a decade covering some of the most defining stories. Since joining The Times of India in 2011, Rajiv has been at the forefront of reporting on Kerala’s health and political landscape. His sustained coverage of the health sector since 2005 has contributed to public awareness and policy discourse, while his political reporting since 2008 has provided readers with sharp, well-informed perspectives. His work has been widely recognized, earning him honors from the Indian Medical Association, the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association, and the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association. He was also conferred the *Best Reporter Award* by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, where he has held leadership roles as Secretary and President.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment CaseBJP MP Sandeep Pathak Claims ‘No Information’ On FIRs, Alleges Misuse Of State Machinery In PunjabIndian Startup Launches Mission Drishti, World’s First OptoSAR Satellite, Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9Diljit Dosanjh Confronts Khalistan Supporters at Calgary Concert, Explains KBC Appearance123PhotostoriesThe simple breathing habit Sri Sri Ravi Shankar suggests to reduce stress instantlyHantavirus: As WHO shares the symptoms of the infected patients, Delhi NCR doctor reveals how a mild fever can become a life-threatening lung emergencySoaked raisins health benefits: Why eating soaked kishmish daily supports digestion, heart health, and natural energyPrasidh Krishna’s Bengaluru Home: A look at the cricketer’s stylish private retreatIndian billionaire Sudha Reddy stuns at Met Gala 2026 – but it’s her ₹142 crore tanzanite necklace that has everyone talkingElon Musk’s 9 am high-protein breakfast includes these 3 foods5 Met Gala food rules you probably did not knowFrom Garlic to selfies: What items are banned at the MET Gala?Metrics used in India to measure homes and how to convert them easilyStruggling in a 400 sq ft home? These design tricks can make it feel twice as big123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingWest Bengal Assembly Election ResultsAssam Assembly Election ResultsTamil Nadu Assembly Election ResultsKerala Assembly Election ResultsPuducherry Assembly Election ResultsBhabanipur election results 2026West Bengal Election Results 2026NEET 2026: Exam-day guideHPBose 12th ResultTVK Chief Vijay

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