May 18, 2026
‘KD The Devil’ Twitter review: Dhruva Sarja shines in mass entertainer; Fans go wild over action and high-octane drama

‘KD The Devil’ Twitter review: Dhruva Sarja shines in mass entertainer; Fans go wild over action and high-octane drama

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Dhruva Sarja’s KD: The Devil has finally hit theatres and opened to an energetic response. The action drama, directed by Prem, has impressed both critics and audiences early on. Twitter reviews for Dhruva Sarja starrer Viewers are actively sharing their first impressions. One user wrote, “Just hit the interval of #KDTheDevil , and all I…

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NEW DELHI: Streets of Kolkata witnessed a showdown between the Election Commission and Trinamool Congress days after the West Bengal assembly polls, as the latter staged a sit-in protest alleging irregularities inside strongrooms housing EVMs.Alleging procedural lapses, TMC leaders claimed party workers stationed outside the strongroom were asked to leave in the afternoon and later received information that the strongroom would be reopened at 4 pm.Speaking on the incident, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, “Party workers and supporters were present outside the strongroom till 3.30 pm. Suddenly, an email was sent informing that the strongroom would be opened again at 4 pm. We contacted our workers and they said they had left. We then rushed here. Now we are not being allowed to enter. BJP is being invited.”In a post on X, the TMC described the “act” as a “murder of democracy in broad daylight”, accusing Bharatiya Janata Party of colluding with the Election Commission to tamper with ballot boxes and EVMs during the ongoing poll process.In a strongly worded statement, the party claimed that CCTV footage showed ballot boxes being opened without the presence of authorised representatives of political parties, terming it “gross electoral fraud”.The TMC further alleged that attempts such as voter intimidation, deletion of names and misuse of central forces had failed, prompting the BJP to resort to “desperate measures” like tampering with EVMs.“CCTV footage has exposed how BJP, in active collusion with the @ECISVEEP, is opening ballot boxes without the presence of any relevant party stakeholders. This is gross electoral fraud being committed openly with the full knowledge and protection of the Election Commission,” TMC posted.Mamata reaches counting centreThe situation further escalated after TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee reached the counting centre for the Bhabanipur assembly segment, braving torrential rains in the city.Claiming that her party received reports of EVM tampering in many parts of the state, Mamata said, “There is a strongroom here for EVMs. We found that in many places, manipulation is taking place. When I saw the CCTV on TV, I thought I should also go and see it. Initially, the Central Forces wouldn’t let me enter. But according to our election rules, the candidate and election agent of any party are allowed up to the sealed room.”The chief minister also urged citizens to maintain peace and harmony during this crucial time. “Victory is certain,” she said.“Bengal refuses to bow to the Bohiragotos of Delhi and Gujarat, who seek to subjugate a people whose soul they can never understand. Every act of wrongdoing against our people, every overreach, and every heavy-handed tactic by the BJP and their Central Forces will be answered. Once the results are in, every transgression will be paid for in full through the ruthless power of the democratic process,” the TMC wrote on X.BJP counters TMC’s sit-in protestThe TMC’s protest was countered by the BJP after its leaders from Maniktala and Chowrangee reached the spot. They also confronted senior police officers on why TMC workers were allowed to gather and raise slogans at a sensitive venue.BJP leaders present at the venue alleged that the TMC was “cooking up a false narrative and lying to the people”.“I learnt about the commotion and rushed to this place and found TMC supporters howling outside the venue, which they cannot do in a sensitive place like this. They shouldn’t have been allowed to gather here. They verbally abused us,” Tapas Roy said.“I heard the District Election Officer took the TMC candidates inside to show nothing was wrong at the strongrooms,” he added.BJP workers also blocked the movement of a TMC vehicle, alleging it was carrying suspicious items.“There is something in the vehicle. Mamata Banerjee has brought something in her vehicle. The vehicle will not be allowed to move,” one worker claimed.Another BJP worker said, “They (TMC) will put duplicate machines and tamper with them… What is the vehicle of TMC doing outside the counting centre?”EC rejects chargesWest Bengal chief electoral officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, however, said that EVMs strong rooms are “safe and secure” and asserted that there is no “controversy” in the incident.”No CCTV was turned off. CCTV footage of all 8 strong rooms there, 7 of EVMs and 1 of the postal ballot, is being telecast. Political parties’ people can sit beyond the three-layer security and see this. They saw some movement around 4 pm when our staff was opening the postal ballot room as per the rules. As per the rule, all political parties were informed, and all candidates were informed by the RO (returning officer),” Agarwal told news agency ANI. “They should have come here…After 4 pm, 3 candidates had come, and they saw everything that the EVMs’ strong rooms were sealed while the postal ballot’s strong room was open. The 3 then left,” Agarwal said.”There will be no law and order situation. These things happen. The law and order situation is fine. Counting will be 100% neat and clean just like the elections were,” he added.Agarwal asserted that the poll body has “nothing to hide”, stressing that they would not allow any “trouble” to take place in the polling procedures.In an apparent reference to the video posted by Trinamool Congress on its X handle, the officials said that all strong rooms containing polled EVMs are safely secured and sealed. They noted that there was routine segregation of postal ballots.HC rejects TMC’s pleaIn another development, the Calcutta high court also rejected the TMC’s plea challenging the Election Commission of India’s directive to deploy central government and PSU employees for vote counting.The court upheld the validity of the decision requiring central government/PSU employees to serve as supervisors and assistants, and dismissed the writ petition.It observed that any grievance can be raised via an election petition under Section 100 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.Earlier, Mamata had alleged that “observers from outside” and police officers unfamiliar with Bengal were being deployed in a manner targeting TMC workers during Phase II of polling.SIR fears dominated Bengal elections and is believed to be the reason behind Bengal’s highest voter turnout since independence. However, polling day also saw heightened political tensions between the TMC and BJP over the deployment of security forces.Centre-state rivalry, controversy over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, and several other factors have made the Bengal assembly elections one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory.A majority of exit polls predicted a neck-and-neck battle between the TMC and BJP, with a poll of polls placing both parties at around 145 seats each in the 294-member assembly, while smaller parties and independents are expected to have only a marginal presence.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 MediaVideosJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling NetworksNaval Anti-ship Missile : Navy, Drdo Demonstrate Salvo Launch That Can Sink ShipsECI Introduces New QR Code Photo ID Rule To Prevent Unauthorised Entry At Counting CentresCCTV Shows Car Plunging Into Gorge In Una, Himachal | Tyre Burst Suspected, 2 KilledDelhi HC Freezes Sunjay Kapur Assets, Restrains Priya Kapur In High-Stakes Inheritance DisputeLet’s Not Choose For People: Supreme Court Pulls Up Centre Over Minor Rape Survivor’s Pregnancy Case’Sonia Gandhi Takes Decisions’: Congress President Kharge On Karnataka CM Change BuzzHafiz Saeed’s Aides Hunted Down: Lashkar-e-Taiba Loses Commanders to Mysterious Killings123Photostories6 high-potential residential areas in Kanpur for smart property investmentWhen a child stops sharing things with parents, it usually begins with these 6 parental habitsHow to grow moringa tree at home (Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)10 ancient Sanskrit-inspired baby names with modern appeal5 small home changes that can reduce stress without spending moneyMorning affirmation at 5am: The first thoughts you choose each morning shape everything afterFrom opening up about his troubled childhood and growing up in a violent home to facing bullying at school; Sidharth Bhardwaj recalls his traumatic pastThis Indian street food is crowned Prayagraj’s official signature dish8 South Indian dishes among the Top 100 Pancakes in the WorldVirat Kohli: 7 life lessons to learn from the RCB cricketer123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkTripura Madhyamik Result 2026CBSE Class 12th ResultMumbai Police DeathBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

NEW DELHI: Streets of Kolkata witnessed a showdown between the Election Commission and Trinamool Congress days after the West Bengal assembly polls, as the latter staged a sit-in protest alleging irregularities inside strongrooms housing EVMs.Alleging procedural lapses, TMC leaders claimed party workers stationed outside the strongroom were asked to leave in the afternoon and later received information that the strongroom would be reopened at 4 pm.Speaking on the incident, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, “Party workers and supporters were present outside the strongroom till 3.30 pm. Suddenly, an email was sent informing that the strongroom would be opened again at 4 pm. We contacted our workers and they said they had left. We then rushed here. Now we are not being allowed to enter. BJP is being invited.”In a post on X, the TMC described the “act” as a “murder of democracy in broad daylight”, accusing Bharatiya Janata Party of colluding with the Election Commission to tamper with ballot boxes and EVMs during the ongoing poll process.In a strongly worded statement, the party claimed that CCTV footage showed ballot boxes being opened without the presence of authorised representatives of political parties, terming it “gross electoral fraud”.The TMC further alleged that attempts such as voter intimidation, deletion of names and misuse of central forces had failed, prompting the BJP to resort to “desperate measures” like tampering with EVMs.“CCTV footage has exposed how BJP, in active collusion with the @ECISVEEP, is opening ballot boxes without the presence of any relevant party stakeholders. This is gross electoral fraud being committed openly with the full knowledge and protection of the Election Commission,” TMC posted.Mamata reaches counting centreThe situation further escalated after TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee reached the counting centre for the Bhabanipur assembly segment, braving torrential rains in the city.Claiming that her party received reports of EVM tampering in many parts of the state, Mamata said, “There is a strongroom here for EVMs. We found that in many places, manipulation is taking place. When I saw the CCTV on TV, I thought I should also go and see it. Initially, the Central Forces wouldn’t let me enter. But according to our election rules, the candidate and election agent of any party are allowed up to the sealed room.”The chief minister also urged citizens to maintain peace and harmony during this crucial time. “Victory is certain,” she said.“Bengal refuses to bow to the Bohiragotos of Delhi and Gujarat, who seek to subjugate a people whose soul they can never understand. Every act of wrongdoing against our people, every overreach, and every heavy-handed tactic by the BJP and their Central Forces will be answered. Once the results are in, every transgression will be paid for in full through the ruthless power of the democratic process,” the TMC wrote on X.BJP counters TMC’s sit-in protestThe TMC’s protest was countered by the BJP after its leaders from Maniktala and Chowrangee reached the spot. They also confronted senior police officers on why TMC workers were allowed to gather and raise slogans at a sensitive venue.BJP leaders present at the venue alleged that the TMC was “cooking up a false narrative and lying to the people”.“I learnt about the commotion and rushed to this place and found TMC supporters howling outside the venue, which they cannot do in a sensitive place like this. They shouldn’t have been allowed to gather here. They verbally abused us,” Tapas Roy said.“I heard the District Election Officer took the TMC candidates inside to show nothing was wrong at the strongrooms,” he added.BJP workers also blocked the movement of a TMC vehicle, alleging it was carrying suspicious items.“There is something in the vehicle. Mamata Banerjee has brought something in her vehicle. The vehicle will not be allowed to move,” one worker claimed.Another BJP worker said, “They (TMC) will put duplicate machines and tamper with them… What is the vehicle of TMC doing outside the counting centre?”EC rejects chargesWest Bengal chief electoral officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, however, said that EVMs strong rooms are “safe and secure” and asserted that there is no “controversy” in the incident.”No CCTV was turned off. CCTV footage of all 8 strong rooms there, 7 of EVMs and 1 of the postal ballot, is being telecast. Political parties’ people can sit beyond the three-layer security and see this. They saw some movement around 4 pm when our staff was opening the postal ballot room as per the rules. As per the rule, all political parties were informed, and all candidates were informed by the RO (returning officer),” Agarwal told news agency ANI. “They should have come here…After 4 pm, 3 candidates had come, and they saw everything that the EVMs’ strong rooms were sealed while the postal ballot’s strong room was open. The 3 then left,” Agarwal said.”There will be no law and order situation. These things happen. The law and order situation is fine. Counting will be 100% neat and clean just like the elections were,” he added.Agarwal asserted that the poll body has “nothing to hide”, stressing that they would not allow any “trouble” to take place in the polling procedures.In an apparent reference to the video posted by Trinamool Congress on its X handle, the officials said that all strong rooms containing polled EVMs are safely secured and sealed. They noted that there was routine segregation of postal ballots.HC rejects TMC’s pleaIn another development, the Calcutta high court also rejected the TMC’s plea challenging the Election Commission of India’s directive to deploy central government and PSU employees for vote counting.The court upheld the validity of the decision requiring central government/PSU employees to serve as supervisors and assistants, and dismissed the writ petition.It observed that any grievance can be raised via an election petition under Section 100 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.Earlier, Mamata had alleged that “observers from outside” and police officers unfamiliar with Bengal were being deployed in a manner targeting TMC workers during Phase II of polling.SIR fears dominated Bengal elections and is believed to be the reason behind Bengal’s highest voter turnout since independence. However, polling day also saw heightened political tensions between the TMC and BJP over the deployment of security forces.Centre-state rivalry, controversy over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, and several other factors have made the Bengal assembly elections one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory.A majority of exit polls predicted a neck-and-neck battle between the TMC and BJP, with a poll of polls placing both parties at around 145 seats each in the 294-member assembly, while smaller parties and independents are expected to have only a marginal presence.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 MediaVideosJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth $14 Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling NetworksNaval Anti-ship Missile : Navy, Drdo Demonstrate Salvo Launch That Can Sink ShipsECI Introduces New QR Code Photo ID Rule To Prevent Unauthorised Entry At Counting CentresCCTV Shows Car Plunging Into Gorge In Una, Himachal | Tyre Burst Suspected, 2 KilledDelhi HC Freezes Sunjay Kapur Assets, Restrains Priya Kapur In High-Stakes Inheritance DisputeLet’s Not Choose For People: Supreme Court Pulls Up Centre Over Minor Rape Survivor’s Pregnancy Case’Sonia Gandhi Takes Decisions’: Congress President Kharge On Karnataka CM Change BuzzHafiz Saeed’s Aides Hunted Down: Lashkar-e-Taiba Loses Commanders to Mysterious Killings123Photostories6 high-potential residential areas in Kanpur for smart property investmentWhen a child stops sharing things with parents, it usually begins with these 6 parental habitsHow to grow moringa tree at home (Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)10 ancient Sanskrit-inspired baby names with modern appeal5 small home changes that can reduce stress without spending moneyMorning affirmation at 5am: The first thoughts you choose each morning shape everything afterFrom opening up about his troubled childhood and growing up in a violent home to facing bullying at school; Sidharth Bhardwaj recalls his traumatic pastThis Indian street food is crowned Prayagraj’s official signature dish8 South Indian dishes among the Top 100 Pancakes in the WorldVirat Kohli: 7 life lessons to learn from the RCB cricketer123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkTripura Madhyamik Result 2026CBSE Class 12th ResultMumbai Police DeathBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Streets of Kolkata witnessed a showdown between the Election Commission and Trinamool Congress days after the West Bengal assembly polls, as the latter staged a sit-in protest alleging irregularities inside strongrooms housing EVMs.Alleging procedural lapses, TMC leaders claimed party workers stationed outside the strongroom were asked to leave in the afternoon and later…

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FDI inflows likely to have crossed billion in FY26

FDI inflows likely to have crossed $90 billion in FY26

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows may have crossed the $90 billion mark for the first time in 2025-26, secretary at department of promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) Amardeep Singh Bhatia told reporters Thursday, while seeking to highlight that greater outreach to investors has borne fruit, with free trade agreements (FTAs)…

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NTA reviews CUET UG 2026 city allotment issues amid complaints over distant centres; update shortly for affected aspirants

NTA reviews CUET UG 2026 city allotment issues amid complaints over distant centres; update shortly for affected aspirants

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

CUET UG 2026: NTA examines city allotment complaints, assures update for affected aspirants soon CUET UG 2026 city change: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has acknowledged concerns raised by candidates of the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2026 regarding allotment of examination centres located far from their preferred cities. The agency stated that…

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Ranveer Singh’s ‘Pralay’ to go on floors in August 2026; makers rubbish rumours of ‘creative differences’

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Pralay’ to go on floors in August 2026; makers rubbish rumours of ‘creative differences’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Much has been said about Ranveer Singh’s next big venture after the back-to-back success of his spy-action film ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’. Amid buzz that the actor will reunite with Aditya Dhar once again for another project, there is now an update about the actor’s next film venture.After beating bad guys, Ranveer will soon…

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6 high-potential residential areas in Kanpur for smart property investment

6 high-potential residential areas in Kanpur for smart property investment

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Azad Nagar is a rapidly developing residential area attracting new homebuyers due to its connectivity and infrastructure. It offers a mix of apartments and independent homes, along with access to schools, hospitals, and retail centres. The locality provides a balanced lifestyle with modern amenities and peaceful surroundings. Kanpur’s residential landscape reflects a blend of tradition…

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May 01, 2026, 09:21 IST

May 01, 2026, 09:21 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

MUMBAI: Would India’s T20 World Cup winners have fared better had they been given a longer break before turning out for their respective IPL franchises? Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop, for one, thinks so. The World Cup stars got around 20 days off before the IPL began, and with their bodies still jaded, the…

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Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, or Nayanthara: Are ‘Tumbbad 2’ makers chasing a big-ticket female lead?

Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, or Nayanthara: Are ‘Tumbbad 2’ makers chasing a big-ticket female lead?

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

‘Tumbbad 2’ has been making headlines since its announcement. As per the latest development, the production team behind the film is actively exploring a major female addition to the sequel’s cast. Reportedly, the makers want to get an A-list actress on board. ‘Tumbbad 2′ makers want to rope in A-list actress for the film According…

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FCC rejects SpaceX request, tells Elon Musk’s company: We dismiss, with prejudice, the portions of SpaceX’s various applications to …

FCC rejects SpaceX request, tells Elon Musk’s company: We dismiss, with prejudice, the portions of SpaceX’s various applications to …

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

FILE – (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rejected SpaceX’s request to tap the 1.6/2.4GHz radio spectrum that Globalstar uses for its satellite services, including on Apple iPhones. The denial is part of the recent FCC order intended to set clear rules on how companies can use radio spectrum to…

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Trump admin claims Iran ceasefire ‘terminated’ hostilities ahead of US-Congress 60-day deadline

Trump admin claims Iran ceasefire ‘terminated’ hostilities ahead of US-Congress 60-day deadline

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

The Trump administration asserts the U.S. is not at war with Iran, despite approaching the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day deadline. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this, stating no congressional authorization is needed as active hostilities have ceased. This stance, however, faces challenges from Democrats who argue the deadline remains binding. US President Donald Trump’s administration…

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IPL 2026 ultimate face-off: Can Mitchell Starc stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rampage?

IPL 2026 ultimate face-off: Can Mitchell Starc stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rampage?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Can Starc stop Sooryavanshi’s rampage? (Image Credit: IPL/BCCI) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to clash against Delhi Capitals tonight, and one of the most aggressive battles of the night could be the mighty face-off between Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.Delhi Capitals, still searching for consistency this season, received a timely boost with the return of Mitchell…

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