April 13, 2026

NEW DELHI: As West Bengal gears up for Assembly elections scheduled on April 23 and April 29, with results due on May 4, the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency has become a crucial electoral battleground, where major parties, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are intensifying their campaigns in a bid to secure a decisive advantage.The high-stakes contest is most visible in Asansol Dakshin, where BJP leader and sitting MLA Agnimitra Paul faces TMC’s Tapas Banerjee in what is expected to be a closely fought race. Paul, also the Vice President of the BJP’s West Bengal unit, is seeking to retain her seat, while Banerjee, currently the MLA from Raniganj, is attempting a return to Asansol Dakshin, which he represented from 2011 to 2021.The Asansol Lok Sabha constituency comprises seven Assembly segments: Pandabeswar, Raniganj, Jamuria, Asansol Dakshin, Asansol Uttar, Kulti and Barabani. Located in the state’s industrial belt, the region holds significant political and economic importance, making it a focal point in the broader electoral contest.Part of the Asansol-Durgapur industrial zone, the area is known for its coal, iron and steel industries and remains one of West Bengal’s key economic hubs. Despite this, residents continue to grapple with civic challenges, including poor road conditions and inadequate drinking water supply. Heavy vehicular traffic has further damaged infrastructure, creating daily hardships for commuters.Politically, Asansol has traditionally been seen as a TMC stronghold, although the BJP has made steady inroads in recent years. The constituency’s demographic composition, with an estimated 75 per cent Hindu voter base, adds to its strategic importance for both parties.The outcome in Asansol could play a significant role in shaping the overall election results in the state, which has 294 Assembly seats and a majority mark of 148.In the 2021 Assembly elections, the All India Trinamool Congress secured a commanding victory with 213 seats and a 48.5 per cent vote share, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats and 38.5 per cent of the votes. Smaller players and independents accounted for the remaining seats, with the total declared tally at 292.A similar trend was seen in 2016, when the TMC won 211 seats with a 45.6 per cent vote share. The Congress secured 44 seats, while the CPI(M) won 26. Other parties and independents made marginal gains.With both the TMC and BJP stepping up their efforts, Asansol is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the balance of power in West Bengal once the votes are counted.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 MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
NEW DELHI: As West Bengal gears up for Assembly elections scheduled on April 23 and April 29, with results due on May 4, the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency has become a crucial electoral battleground, where major parties, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are intensifying their campaigns in a bid to secure a decisive advantage.The high-stakes contest is most visible in Asansol Dakshin, where BJP leader and sitting MLA Agnimitra Paul faces TMC’s Tapas Banerjee in what is expected to be a closely fought race. Paul, also the Vice President of the BJP’s West Bengal unit, is seeking to retain her seat, while Banerjee, currently the MLA from Raniganj, is attempting a return to Asansol Dakshin, which he represented from 2011 to 2021.The Asansol Lok Sabha constituency comprises seven Assembly segments: Pandabeswar, Raniganj, Jamuria, Asansol Dakshin, Asansol Uttar, Kulti and Barabani. Located in the state’s industrial belt, the region holds significant political and economic importance, making it a focal point in the broader electoral contest.Part of the Asansol-Durgapur industrial zone, the area is known for its coal, iron and steel industries and remains one of West Bengal’s key economic hubs. Despite this, residents continue to grapple with civic challenges, including poor road conditions and inadequate drinking water supply. Heavy vehicular traffic has further damaged infrastructure, creating daily hardships for commuters.Politically, Asansol has traditionally been seen as a TMC stronghold, although the BJP has made steady inroads in recent years. The constituency’s demographic composition, with an estimated 75 per cent Hindu voter base, adds to its strategic importance for both parties.The outcome in Asansol could play a significant role in shaping the overall election results in the state, which has 294 Assembly seats and a majority mark of 148.In the 2021 Assembly elections, the All India Trinamool Congress secured a commanding victory with 213 seats and a 48.5 per cent vote share, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats and 38.5 per cent of the votes. Smaller players and independents accounted for the remaining seats, with the total declared tally at 292.A similar trend was seen in 2016, when the TMC won 211 seats with a 45.6 per cent vote share. The Congress secured 44 seats, while the CPI(M) won 26. Other parties and independents made marginal gains.With both the TMC and BJP stepping up their efforts, Asansol is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the balance of power in West Bengal once the votes are counted.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 MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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


Agnimitra Paul vs Tapas Banerjee: Asansol turns key battleground ahead of Bengal assembly polls

NEW DELHI: As West Bengal gears up for Assembly elections scheduled on April 23 and April 29, with results due on May 4, the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency has become a crucial electoral battleground, where major parties, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are intensifying their campaigns in a bid to secure a decisive advantage.The high-stakes contest is most visible in Asansol Dakshin, where BJP leader and sitting MLA Agnimitra Paul faces TMC’s Tapas Banerjee in what is expected to be a closely fought race. Paul, also the Vice President of the BJP’s West Bengal unit, is seeking to retain her seat, while Banerjee, currently the MLA from Raniganj, is attempting a return to Asansol Dakshin, which he represented from 2011 to 2021.The Asansol Lok Sabha constituency comprises seven Assembly segments: Pandabeswar, Raniganj, Jamuria, Asansol Dakshin, Asansol Uttar, Kulti and Barabani. Located in the state’s industrial belt, the region holds significant political and economic importance, making it a focal point in the broader electoral contest.Part of the Asansol-Durgapur industrial zone, the area is known for its coal, iron and steel industries and remains one of West Bengal’s key economic hubs. Despite this, residents continue to grapple with civic challenges, including poor road conditions and inadequate drinking water supply. Heavy vehicular traffic has further damaged infrastructure, creating daily hardships for commuters.Politically, Asansol has traditionally been seen as a TMC stronghold, although the BJP has made steady inroads in recent years. The constituency’s demographic composition, with an estimated 75 per cent Hindu voter base, adds to its strategic importance for both parties.The outcome in Asansol could play a significant role in shaping the overall election results in the state, which has 294 Assembly seats and a majority mark of 148.In the 2021 Assembly elections, the All India Trinamool Congress secured a commanding victory with 213 seats and a 48.5 per cent vote share, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats and 38.5 per cent of the votes. Smaller players and independents accounted for the remaining seats, with the total declared tally at 292.A similar trend was seen in 2016, when the TMC won 211 seats with a 45.6 per cent vote share. The Congress secured 44 seats, while the CPI(M) won 26. Other parties and independents made marginal gains.With both the TMC and BJP stepping up their efforts, Asansol is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the balance of power in West Bengal once the votes are counted.



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Asha Bhosle There are singers who belong to an era, and then there is Asha Bhosle, who treated decades like passing trends she would dip into and then outdo. A vocal sponge, Bhosle was soaking up the pop and jazz greats long before the internet made it easy. “I used to watch Carmen Miranda a lot and try to imitate her style,” she had said in an interview, “like I did later with Shirley Bassey.” Tucked into voluminous saris, the Asha tai who loved dishing out her signature ‘Maa ki Dal’ and jaggery kheer was the same woman who wat-ched Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock three times just to nail the phrasing for ‘Eena Meena Deeka’; who received a letter from the Vatican for her rendition of ‘Ave Maria’; and became the first Indian singer to form a pop group overseas in Britain, the West India Company, in the 1980s. At a time when playback voices in India were still neatly boxed – classical, romantic, devotional – Bhosle was slipping between them. Trained in Hindustani classical music, she said, “If you have the desire and riyaz… you can sing anything.” She wandered into cabaret, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and global pop long before the industry had quite figured out what to call any of it. The turning point, as many stories go, arrived with the Burmans. S D Burman first showed her how to add her own ‘inputs’ to a track to make it work, but it was with R D Burman it started taking root when the duo would sit up until 4am listening to jazz and rock. When he handed her ‘Aaja Aaja’ for Teesri Manzil, she is said to have balked at its Westernised swagger. This wasn’t a tune you could approach like a ghazal. It needed breathless phrasing and a loose shrug. Ten days of rehearsal later, she owned it so completely that it now sounds like it was always hers. That became a pattern. Whether it was the smokey, rhythmic breathing of ‘Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja’ or the pop-ballad ease of ‘Chura Liya Hai,’ Bhosle could adjust her vocal cords to match every mood. By the 1990s, when ‘crossover’ became a buzzword, she was already living it. “I told my son Anand, I’ve sung in practically every Indian language but I haven’t done English,” she said of her jump into the West India Company. It was a leap into the unknown that would have terrified a lesser artist. “Although the music was ready, there was no fixed tune to sing. I had created my own tune and melody,” she said about merging Indian vocals with Western club rh-ythms and electronic music. This ability to improvise allowed her to record ‘Bow Down Mister’ with Boy George, where Indian devotional strains met synth-heavy pop. It could have been a gimmick. Instead, it sounded like a natural extension of what she had alw-ays done with unaffected ease. At 64, she stepped into the centre of the MTV glare. She teamed up with Code Red for the ballad ‘We Can Make It’ and appeared in a music video, matching the boy band and their R&B groove with her silk sari and alaaps. Soon after, she appeared on ‘The Way You Dream’ with REM’s Michael Stipe for his project ‘1 Giant Leap’, a track that drifted into Hollywood with the 2003 action-comedy film ‘Bulletproof Monk’. Bhosle did not so much cross over from East to West as meet it, on equal terms. Cornershop’s ‘Brimful of Asha’ turned her into a cultural reference point, later remixed by Fatboy Slim. Black Eyed Peas sampled her in ‘Don’t Phunk with My Heart’, tucking her voice into 2000s hip-hop. Sarah Brightman lifted ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ into operatic pop. In 2005, the Kronos Quartet built an album around her, ‘You’ve Stolen My Heart’. She recorded the R D Burman classics with such velocity – three to four songs a day – the quartet struggled to keep up. It earned her a Grammy nomination. Even in later years, she seemed game for unlikely pairings, whether it was a duet wi-th cricketer Brett Lee to collaborations with Pakistani pop si-nger Jawad Ahmed that igno-red the politics of the moment. Which brings us to 2026. Bhosle, well into her nineties, recording ‘The Shadowy Light’ from her Pedder Road home for the genre-blurring British virtual band Gorillaz – her voice against a swirl of hip-hop, dub and electronica, with an old harmonium in the mix – in what would be her final collaboration.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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

Asha Bhosle There are singers who belong to an era, and then there is Asha Bhosle, who treated decades like passing trends she would dip into and then outdo. A vocal sponge, Bhosle was soaking up the pop and jazz greats long before the internet made it easy. “I used to watch Carmen Miranda a lot and try to imitate her style,” she had said in an interview, “like I did later with Shirley Bassey.” Tucked into voluminous saris, the Asha tai who loved dishing out her signature ‘Maa ki Dal’ and jaggery kheer was the same woman who wat-ched Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock three times just to nail the phrasing for ‘Eena Meena Deeka’; who received a letter from the Vatican for her rendition of ‘Ave Maria’; and became the first Indian singer to form a pop group overseas in Britain, the West India Company, in the 1980s. At a time when playback voices in India were still neatly boxed – classical, romantic, devotional – Bhosle was slipping between them. Trained in Hindustani classical music, she said, “If you have the desire and riyaz… you can sing anything.” She wandered into cabaret, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and global pop long before the industry had quite figured out what to call any of it. The turning point, as many stories go, arrived with the Burmans. S D Burman first showed her how to add her own ‘inputs’ to a track to make it work, but it was with R D Burman it started taking root when the duo would sit up until 4am listening to jazz and rock. When he handed her ‘Aaja Aaja’ for Teesri Manzil, she is said to have balked at its Westernised swagger. This wasn’t a tune you could approach like a ghazal. It needed breathless phrasing and a loose shrug. Ten days of rehearsal later, she owned it so completely that it now sounds like it was always hers. That became a pattern. Whether it was the smokey, rhythmic breathing of ‘Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja’ or the pop-ballad ease of ‘Chura Liya Hai,’ Bhosle could adjust her vocal cords to match every mood. By the 1990s, when ‘crossover’ became a buzzword, she was already living it. “I told my son Anand, I’ve sung in practically every Indian language but I haven’t done English,” she said of her jump into the West India Company. It was a leap into the unknown that would have terrified a lesser artist. “Although the music was ready, there was no fixed tune to sing. I had created my own tune and melody,” she said about merging Indian vocals with Western club rh-ythms and electronic music. This ability to improvise allowed her to record ‘Bow Down Mister’ with Boy George, where Indian devotional strains met synth-heavy pop. It could have been a gimmick. Instead, it sounded like a natural extension of what she had alw-ays done with unaffected ease. At 64, she stepped into the centre of the MTV glare. She teamed up with Code Red for the ballad ‘We Can Make It’ and appeared in a music video, matching the boy band and their R&B groove with her silk sari and alaaps. Soon after, she appeared on ‘The Way You Dream’ with REM’s Michael Stipe for his project ‘1 Giant Leap’, a track that drifted into Hollywood with the 2003 action-comedy film ‘Bulletproof Monk’. Bhosle did not so much cross over from East to West as meet it, on equal terms. Cornershop’s ‘Brimful of Asha’ turned her into a cultural reference point, later remixed by Fatboy Slim. Black Eyed Peas sampled her in ‘Don’t Phunk with My Heart’, tucking her voice into 2000s hip-hop. Sarah Brightman lifted ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ into operatic pop. In 2005, the Kronos Quartet built an album around her, ‘You’ve Stolen My Heart’. She recorded the R D Burman classics with such velocity – three to four songs a day – the quartet struggled to keep up. It earned her a Grammy nomination. Even in later years, she seemed game for unlikely pairings, whether it was a duet wi-th cricketer Brett Lee to collaborations with Pakistani pop si-nger Jawad Ahmed that igno-red the politics of the moment. Which brings us to 2026. Bhosle, well into her nineties, recording ‘The Shadowy Light’ from her Pedder Road home for the genre-blurring British virtual band Gorillaz – her voice against a swirl of hip-hop, dub and electronica, with an old harmonium in the mix – in what would be her final collaboration.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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

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NEW DELHI: Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday hit back at Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his “slave” remark, asserting that the “DMK is unable to accept the strength of the AIADMK.””MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin are focusing only on criticising me in their campaigns, rather than speaking about people’s welfare or government schemes… Neither I nor my party cadres are slaves. While DMK may be a sewer, AIADMK cadres are proud followers of MG Ramachandran and will never accept such labels,” he said, PTI reported.”AIADMK is strong, and DMK is unable to accept this strength, which is why they resort to criticism,” he added.The response came after Udhayanidhi Stalin described the AIADMK-led NDA alliance as a “slave team” and accused Palaniswami of failing to defend Tamil Nadu’s interests, particularly on the NEET issue.”This election is between the Delhi team and the Tamil Nadu team. Our leader is the captain, and we will win. The AIADMK-led NDA alliance is a slave team. The NEET examination was implemented during the AIADMK regime under his leadership,” Udhayanidhi said.”He (Edappadi Palaniswami) failed to raise his voice for Tamil Nadu’s welfare. He is subservient to the Central Government,” he added.PollWho do you think has a stronger campaign strategy in the upcoming elections?AIADMKDMKTVKNone of the above Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA led by AIADMK, while actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, adding a third dimension to the contest.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 MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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: Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday hit back at Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his “slave” remark, asserting that the “DMK is unable to accept the strength of the AIADMK.””MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin are focusing only on criticising me in their campaigns, rather than speaking about people’s welfare or government schemes… Neither I nor my party cadres are slaves. While DMK may be a sewer, AIADMK cadres are proud followers of MG Ramachandran and will never accept such labels,” he said, PTI reported.”AIADMK is strong, and DMK is unable to accept this strength, which is why they resort to criticism,” he added.The response came after Udhayanidhi Stalin described the AIADMK-led NDA alliance as a “slave team” and accused Palaniswami of failing to defend Tamil Nadu’s interests, particularly on the NEET issue.”This election is between the Delhi team and the Tamil Nadu team. Our leader is the captain, and we will win. The AIADMK-led NDA alliance is a slave team. The NEET examination was implemented during the AIADMK regime under his leadership,” Udhayanidhi said.”He (Edappadi Palaniswami) failed to raise his voice for Tamil Nadu’s welfare. He is subservient to the Central Government,” he added.PollWho do you think has a stronger campaign strategy in the upcoming elections?AIADMKDMKTVKNone of the above Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA led by AIADMK, while actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, adding a third dimension to the contest.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 MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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

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Mamata Banerjee KOLKATA/KHANDAGHOSH: Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee warned of “operations” starting Sunday night to arrest Trinamool workers ahead of assembly polls less than a fortnight away, urging them to be careful under an administration now under the EC. Mamata vowed to resist BJP’s attempt “to break Bengal through delimitation” that is slated to start following the Census this year. BJP, she said, is trying to “harass and intimidate” Bengal’s voters, including her, because it “knows it will lose the elections”. “Many will be detained and arrested before the polls (as part of an election strategy). These operations will start (Sunday) tonight. Do not be intimidated… Remember, everything is under EC during this election – nothing is in our hands. Be vigilant for another 15-21 days; then we will see, we will fight, and we will win again… They (BJP) know they will lose the election. That is why they have changed everything here,” the CM said at a rally in East Burdwan’s Khandaghosh, alluding to a wave of transfers in the state administration. Flagging her opposition to a delimitation bill, which the Centre is likely to introduce in Lok Sabha this month, Mamata called it a design to “break Bengal into three parts”. “Then NRC will be implemented. People will be sent to detention camps. In Assam, out of 19 lakh people sent to detention camps, 13 lakh were Hindus and six lakh Muslims. We will never allow detention camps in Bengal,” the CM said. Mamata described SIR as “the biggest scam”. PM Narendra Modi, she said, was voted to office for a third term by people on the 2024 rolls. “Is everyone an infiltrator?” she asked, referring to those who voted in the last Lok Sabha elections but have been excluded after SIR.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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

Mamata Banerjee KOLKATA/KHANDAGHOSH: Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee warned of “operations” starting Sunday night to arrest Trinamool workers ahead of assembly polls less than a fortnight away, urging them to be careful under an administration now under the EC. Mamata vowed to resist BJP’s attempt “to break Bengal through delimitation” that is slated to start following the Census this year. BJP, she said, is trying to “harass and intimidate” Bengal’s voters, including her, because it “knows it will lose the elections”. “Many will be detained and arrested before the polls (as part of an election strategy). These operations will start (Sunday) tonight. Do not be intimidated… Remember, everything is under EC during this election – nothing is in our hands. Be vigilant for another 15-21 days; then we will see, we will fight, and we will win again… They (BJP) know they will lose the election. That is why they have changed everything here,” the CM said at a rally in East Burdwan’s Khandaghosh, alluding to a wave of transfers in the state administration. Flagging her opposition to a delimitation bill, which the Centre is likely to introduce in Lok Sabha this month, Mamata called it a design to “break Bengal into three parts”. “Then NRC will be implemented. People will be sent to detention camps. In Assam, out of 19 lakh people sent to detention camps, 13 lakh were Hindus and six lakh Muslims. We will never allow detention camps in Bengal,” the CM said. Mamata described SIR as “the biggest scam”. PM Narendra Modi, she said, was voted to office for a third term by people on the 2024 rolls. “Is everyone an infiltrator?” she asked, referring to those who voted in the last Lok Sabha elections but have been excluded after SIR.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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

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Subhas Chandra Bose’s grandnephew, Chandra Bose, joined TMC on Sunday in the presence of state education minister Bratya Basu and party MP Kirti Azad, reports Prithvijit Mitra. After his induction, he attacked his BJP, which he had quit in 2023. “BJP’s policies are blatantly communal and anti-Constitution. They attempt to win polls by playing the religion card, which is a divisive policy. This is exactly what the British did during their 200-year rule in India. We drove them out, and now the time has come to drive out BJP,” Bose told TOI.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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

Subhas Chandra Bose’s grandnephew, Chandra Bose, joined TMC on Sunday in the presence of state education minister Bratya Basu and party MP Kirti Azad, reports Prithvijit Mitra. After his induction, he attacked his BJP, which he had quit in 2023. “BJP’s policies are blatantly communal and anti-Constitution. They attempt to win polls by playing the religion card, which is a divisive policy. This is exactly what the British did during their 200-year rule in India. We drove them out, and now the time has come to drive out BJP,” Bose told TOI.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile 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 Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life 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 prosperity123Hot 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

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