July 21, 2026
Mustafizur Rahman row: Did ICC suggest Hyderabad, Chennai as alternate India venues to Bangladesh for T20 World Cup? BCB reveals

Mustafizur Rahman row: Did ICC suggest Hyderabad, Chennai as alternate India venues to Bangladesh for T20 World Cup? BCB reveals

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul on Friday said the board is still waiting for a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its concerns over playing T20 World Cup matches at venues in India, reiterating that Bangladesh’s position on the issue has not changed.Bangladesh have conveyed their reluctance to tour India…

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Friendly fire? Secret Service agent injured in Trump assassination attempt may have been shot by own colleague

Friendly fire? Secret Service agent injured in Trump assassination attempt may have been shot by own colleague

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A Secret Service agent injured during an assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump may have been struck by a bullet fired by a fellow officer.The incident took place last week at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, where a gunman tried to force his way into the venue. During a court hearing,…

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Gold surge: Imports hit record .72 bn in Oct; festive demand drives spike as trade deficit widens

Gold surge: Imports hit record $14.72 bn in Oct; festive demand drives spike as trade deficit widens

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India’s gold imports surged nearly threefold to a record $14.72 billion in October, propelled by strong festive and wedding-season demand, government data showed on Monday. Imports stood at $4.92 billion in the same month last year, PTI reported.Cumulatively, gold inflows rose 21.44 per cent to $41.23 billion in April–October, up from $34 billion a year…

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A Hyundai i20 exploded near Delhi’s Red Fort, killing at least 12 people in what investigators are treating as a terrorist strike. The car’s 11-hour journey, traced through CCTV, suggests a planned attack linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed network involving radicalized doctors. Forensic analysis points to high-grade explosives, with the driver identified as Dr. Umar Un Nabi. Blast near Red Fort in Delhi NEW DELHI: A Hyundai i20 exploded near the Red Fort around 6:52pm on Monday, killing at least 12 people. Investigators are treating the incident as a terrorist strike under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and tracing it to a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) network that allegedly involved radicalised young doctors and cross-border handlers. Much of what we know so far comes from on-ground reporting by The Times of India journalists.When: A tightly timed drive that ended at 6:52pmDrawing on CCTV trails reviewed by probe teams and reported by TOI’s Rajshekhar Jha and Abhay, the car’s journey began early Monday. The i20 was first seen outside a Faridabad hospital around 7:30am. By 8:04am, it crossed Badarpur into Delhi; minutes later, it appeared on cameras near Okhla Industrial Area, where the driver-identified by investigators as Dr Umar Un Nabi-was masked while stopping at a fuel station.Delhi: 8 Killed In Multiple Red Fort Blasts; Explosion Shakes 3 KM Area Radius Of Indian CapitalThe car meandered through central Delhi in the afternoon. Around 2:30pm, it circled the inner ring of Connaught Place, a detail that suggests the driver was scoping footfall and traffic patterns. Past 3:15pm, the i20 parked at the Sunehri Masjid lot near Chandni Chowk and remained there for roughly three hours. Investigators told TOI that CCTV shows the driver stayed inside without stepping out from 3:19pm to 6:25pm.Minutes before the explosion, the vehicle rolled towards the Chandni Chowk–Red Fort corridor, took a U-turn near the monument, and halted by Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro station on Subhash Marg. The blast followed at 6:52pm, killing 12 and leaving several others injured. Authorities are reviewing over a thousand cameras along the route to rule out whether anyone else entered or exited the car at any point. One earlier CCTV clip from Faridabad, also flagged by investigators, shows the same i20 (with a Haryana registration) at a petrol pump for a pollution check days before the blast-this time with three occupants visible.How: A car bomb, military-grade signatures – and unanswered forensic questionsForensic teams and the NSG’s explosives unit are yet to file their final report, but the scale of damage and the casualty count point to high-grade explosives. Among the substances being examined are PETN, Semtex, RDX, and an ammonium nitrate–fuel oil mix-materials that can be used in improvised devices but are also familiar in industrial contexts.Technicians have collected about 42 samples-including tyres, chassis components, the car’s CNG cylinder, bonnet fragments, residue, and powder traces-to determine the exact composition and the triggering mechanism. As one officer told TOI, “PETN is quite stable and detonated either by heat or a shock wave. A car can be destroyed in around 100 grams. Most importantly, neither PETN nor semtex inherently require pellets or shrapnel to act as an explosive and the material itself is enough to cause immense damage through detonation.” Another official noted that an ammonium nitrate fuel oil charge creates a supersonic shock wave, unleashing energy extremely quickly.Investigators believe a proper detonation system-potentially a watch-based timer with button batteries-was used. Yet competing hypotheses remain: some officers argue the device’s build appeared “loosely assembled” and lacked shrapnel, which they interpret as a hurried or partially finished design; others say the route, timing, and parking pattern reflect deliberate planning. “More corroborative evidence is needed to arrive at a conclusion. The probe is at an early stage,” one officer cautioned to TOI.Two live cartridges were also recovered from the site, police sources told TOI.Who: The “doctor module,” an alleged lone-wolf driver – and a campus at the centerIdentity of the driver. Delhi Police believe the man in the car was Dr Umar Un Nabi, 29, a Pulwama resident and former topper at Government Medical College, Srinagar, who later worked at GMC Anantnag before moving to teach at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Only an arm-thought to be his-was recovered near the wreck. A definitive identification awaits DNA confirmation; officers took his mother’s sample, TOI’s Naseer Ganai reported from Pulwama. A CCTV clip reportedly shows him sitting alone in the i20 at one of the stops.The network: Investigators tie the blast to a Jaish-e-Mohammed module spread across J&K, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with handlers in Türkiye and Afghanistan’s Nangarhar allegedly guiding parts of the plot. The module’s standout feature, as TOI’s Nikhil Sharma and Bagish Jha chronicled, is the cluster of young doctors associated with Al-Falah University who were teaching MBBS while allegedly moonlighting in a terror network. Among those under arrest or scrutiny:Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie (Pulwama), who managed the university hospital’s emergency wing and taught MBBS students. Arrested on October 30 by J&K Police, he led investigators to staggering seizures: nearly 2,900 kg of explosive and flammable chemicals, a Krinkov assault rifle with three magazines, 83 live cartridges, a pistol with eight live rounds, extra magazines, 20 timers, four batteries, remotes, a walkie-talkie, 12 suitcases and a bucket packed with explosive material-recovered from rooms he had rented in Dauj and Dehar Colony near the university.Dr Shaheen Shahid (Lucknow), a colleague at Al-Falah whom investigators say was part of the same cluster. She was taken into custody after an assault rifle-which police allege Muzammil had placed in her car-was recovered in Faridabad. Probes also point to the women’s wing of JeM, Jamaat-ul-Mominat, helmed by Sadia, sister of JeM founder Masood Azhar.Dr Adeel Majeed Rather (Kulgam), formerly a senior resident at Anantnag Medical College, who moved to Saharanpur and was arrested Thursday.Dr Sajad Malik (Pulwama), picked up for questioning; it is unclear whether he is a suspect or a potential source of information about Umar.Mohd Istaq, a cleric linked to a mosque frequented by Al-Falah’s community, whose modest background and recently built home near Dehar Colony have drawn scrutiny after 358 kg of ammonium nitrate was found in a room rented by Muzammil.Family voices from Pulwama. At Umar’s home in Koil village, relatives recounted that police arrived, seized phones, and took two family members for questioning. His sister-in-law Muzamila Akhtar said the last call with Umar was on Friday: “He told me he will be coming home after three days, and we were all happy”. She added: “He was our only hope,” and, “His father was a teacher who later lost his senses… I can’t believe Umar could be involved in such a thing.”Also read: Was Red Fort attack planned for January 26? What Faridabad doctor’s phone revealedIn another Koil neighborhood, Shakeel Ahmad, father of Muzammil, told TOI: “They told us he had been brought from Faridabad for probe. We were shocked,” adding, “He has been there for two years. He would call us regularly.”A faculty member at Al-Falah voiced the campus’s distress to TOI: “We never imagined something like this could happen here. The university always prided itself on academic excellence and inclusivity. This has shaken us to the core.”Why: A claimed motive tied to “Operation Sindoor” – and the panic-vs-planning debateDelhi Police’s FIR under UAPA Sections 16 and 18 (terror act and conspiracy) aligns with an initial intelligence assessment: the JeM module allegedly sought to avenge damage to the group’s Bahawalpur headquarters inflicted during Operation Sindoor.Why the explosion unfolded on Monday specifically is unsettled. One theory suggests Umar panicked after the arrest of Dr Muzammil-the Faridabad lynchpin-and set off in the loaded car to avoid being picked up, possibly attempting to dump the explosives or hide the vehicle. The competing view is that the timing, location, and parking point to “proper planning”, not a mishap. As a senior officer put it to TOI, “More corroborative evidence is needed to arrive at a conclusion. The probe is at an early stage.”Separately, TOI’s Bharti Jain cited security sources who argued the device was loosely assembled and the vehicle was not driven into a dense crowd, both factors that may indicate an unintended or premature detonation. One official told TOI that the crackdown that yielded nearly 3,000 kg of explosives likely forced the suspect’s hand. Another summarised the state’s view of the busts: “This is a success of our intelligence agencies, security apparatus and law enforcement officers.”What (and who) the blast took: Lives halting mid-errand, mid-shift, mid-reunionAshok Kumar (34), a DTC driver, and Lokesh Agarwal (52) met briefly after months apart; by dawn, both were back in Amroha, wrapped in white. Mohsin (32), an e-rickshaw driver, worked long hours to keep two children in school; his vehicle was crushed in the debris. Noman Ansari (22) had come from Shamli to buy cosmetics for his shop; his brother lived, he did not.Dinesh Mishra (32), back from Diwali with his daughters in Shravasti, returned to work at a printing press-he never came home. Pankaj Sahni (22), a cabbie from Bihar, was idling at a signal when the i20 ahead exploded. Mohammad Jumman (35) was steering toward Shastri Park; his phone location froze on his brother’s screen and then never moved.And there was Amar Kataria (33), a Sriniwaspuri pharmacist who had just phoned his father about dinner plans. His family found his second phone in the rubble; later, they identified him with a tattoo. His father told TOI, “My grandson just turned three in Sept. My daughter-in-law Kriti is trying to hold herself together, but she doesn’t know how she will raise her son without his father.” The car: A paper trail through dealers and citiesTOI’s Bagish Jha tracked the i20’s paper trail. Bought new in 2014 by Dilip of Old Gurgaon, the car was sold in 2020 to Mohammad Salman, a glass-factory worker who registered it to a Shanti Nagar address. Salman later moved to Sohna and, during Ramzan this year, sold the car via an online marketplace. But the registration never changed, leaving his name on the records.From there the i20 went to a Delhi dealer, then on to Taufiq in Faridabad through an intermediary named Sonu. After the blast, police landed at the old Shanti Nagar address, then traced relatives and finally reached Salman in Global Heights. Salman showed digital proof of sale and was handed, along with his brother Javed, to Delhi Police for questioning. “We sold the car legally. We have nothing to do with this incident,” Salman’s wife told TOI. Sonu, the dealer who last transferred the vehicle to Taufiq, was picked up for questioning by Delhi Police’s Special Cell.What next: NIA takes charge, DNA tests, more raids – and the questions investigators need to answerNIA steps in. The National Investigation Agency has taken over the case from Delhi Police, The FIR under UAPA Sections 16 and 18 cements the terror-attack framing. Delhi Police also recovered two live cartridges at the scene.DNA and forensics. The identity of the deceased driver hinges on a DNA match with his mother. Final explosives forensics-from the 42 exhibits-is expected to clarify whether PETN, Semtex, RDX, or an ANFO variant was used, and how the detonator and timer were rigged.Network roll-up. Raids continue across J&K, Haryana, and UP. Faridabad Police mounted an 800-person combing operation around Al-Falah and nearby villages, temporarily detaining about 70 people for questioning and harvesting CCTV from neighborhoods where Muzammil rented rooms. The sweep also covers associates from the same regions as those already detained or arrested. Yashpal, a Faridabad Police spokesperson, told TOI: “The FIR had been registered in J&K. It was only then that Muzammil was arrested, and the recovery of explosives and weapons were made from Faridabad. No FIR in connection with this case has been registered in Faridabad so far.”The motive and the method. Investigators must still reconcile two narratives: a premeditated strike planned to maximize casualties near an evening crowd, or a rushed detonation triggered by the heat of ongoing raids and seizures that made continued storage and movement of explosives too risky. One officer underscored to TOI that “Whether this blast was premeditated or accidental is a matter of investigation,” while another insisted the larger dismantling of the module remains the more consequential story: “This is a success of our intelligence agencies, security apparatus and law enforcement officers.”(Information, timelines, field reporting and interviews in this article draw on the work of TOI journalists Rajshekhar Jha, Bharti Jain Naseer Ganai, Abhay, Nikhil Sharma and Bagish Jha.)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 MediaVideosModern Warfare Has Changed: Indian Army Chief General Dwivedi Calls To Redefine Air Defence DoctrineOperation Sindoor Redefined India’s Warfare With Cyber Resilience And Electronic Dominance: IAFWatch: Khawaja Asif Shocked as Journalist Informs Him TTP Claimed Islamabad Blast’India Won’t Be A Dumping Ground’: Piyush Goyal Blasts China For Unfair And Unethical Trade PracticePiyush Goyal Sends Strong Reply To Donald Trump, Says India Wants Fair But Balanced Trade AgreementIndia Hits Back at Pak Over Baseless Islamabad Blast AllegationsTTP Owns Up to Islamabad Attack, Pak PM Points Finger at India & AfghanistanMaha Gajraj Exercise: IAF Conducts Highway Landing Operations Near Barmer-Jalore Border12 Killed In Car Bomb Blast In Islamabad; PM Sharif Blames ‘India-Sponsored Terrorist Proxies”Hunt Down Every…’: Amit Shah Says Delhi Car Blast Culprits To Face ‘Full Wrath Of Agencies’123PhotostoriesBaby boy names inspired by the UK Royal familyNorthern lights: How to explain this celestial phenomenon to your childWhat should be the ideal heart rate and its link with cardiovascular health?Delhi Red Fort car blast: When, How & Who?How to handle dirty office politics: 5 Bhagavad Gita quotes to survive it gracefullyBaby names inspired by snow, ice, and winter’s magic7 subtle signs of dementia most people missChildren’s Day 2025: How to make this day truly special for your kids‘It starts at the foot’: The symptom that could signal heart failure, liver disease, or blood clotsBest children’s books by Sudha Murty every young reader should explore123Hot PicksBihar Election CandidatesBihar Election ConstituenciesBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingBabar AzamActor GovindaMLB Trade RumorsStephen Curry WifeDelhi GRAP 3Michael Willis Cause of DeathDelhi BlastStephen CurryJerry JonesMichael Duarte Cause of Death

A Hyundai i20 exploded near Delhi’s Red Fort, killing at least 12 people in what investigators are treating as a terrorist strike. The car’s 11-hour journey, traced through CCTV, suggests a planned attack linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed network involving radicalized doctors. Forensic analysis points to high-grade explosives, with the driver identified as Dr. Umar Un Nabi. Blast near Red Fort in Delhi NEW DELHI: A Hyundai i20 exploded near the Red Fort around 6:52pm on Monday, killing at least 12 people. Investigators are treating the incident as a terrorist strike under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and tracing it to a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) network that allegedly involved radicalised young doctors and cross-border handlers. Much of what we know so far comes from on-ground reporting by The Times of India journalists.When: A tightly timed drive that ended at 6:52pmDrawing on CCTV trails reviewed by probe teams and reported by TOI’s Rajshekhar Jha and Abhay, the car’s journey began early Monday. The i20 was first seen outside a Faridabad hospital around 7:30am. By 8:04am, it crossed Badarpur into Delhi; minutes later, it appeared on cameras near Okhla Industrial Area, where the driver-identified by investigators as Dr Umar Un Nabi-was masked while stopping at a fuel station.Delhi: 8 Killed In Multiple Red Fort Blasts; Explosion Shakes 3 KM Area Radius Of Indian CapitalThe car meandered through central Delhi in the afternoon. Around 2:30pm, it circled the inner ring of Connaught Place, a detail that suggests the driver was scoping footfall and traffic patterns. Past 3:15pm, the i20 parked at the Sunehri Masjid lot near Chandni Chowk and remained there for roughly three hours. Investigators told TOI that CCTV shows the driver stayed inside without stepping out from 3:19pm to 6:25pm.Minutes before the explosion, the vehicle rolled towards the Chandni Chowk–Red Fort corridor, took a U-turn near the monument, and halted by Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro station on Subhash Marg. The blast followed at 6:52pm, killing 12 and leaving several others injured. Authorities are reviewing over a thousand cameras along the route to rule out whether anyone else entered or exited the car at any point. One earlier CCTV clip from Faridabad, also flagged by investigators, shows the same i20 (with a Haryana registration) at a petrol pump for a pollution check days before the blast-this time with three occupants visible.How: A car bomb, military-grade signatures – and unanswered forensic questionsForensic teams and the NSG’s explosives unit are yet to file their final report, but the scale of damage and the casualty count point to high-grade explosives. Among the substances being examined are PETN, Semtex, RDX, and an ammonium nitrate–fuel oil mix-materials that can be used in improvised devices but are also familiar in industrial contexts.Technicians have collected about 42 samples-including tyres, chassis components, the car’s CNG cylinder, bonnet fragments, residue, and powder traces-to determine the exact composition and the triggering mechanism. As one officer told TOI, “PETN is quite stable and detonated either by heat or a shock wave. A car can be destroyed in around 100 grams. Most importantly, neither PETN nor semtex inherently require pellets or shrapnel to act as an explosive and the material itself is enough to cause immense damage through detonation.” Another official noted that an ammonium nitrate fuel oil charge creates a supersonic shock wave, unleashing energy extremely quickly.Investigators believe a proper detonation system-potentially a watch-based timer with button batteries-was used. Yet competing hypotheses remain: some officers argue the device’s build appeared “loosely assembled” and lacked shrapnel, which they interpret as a hurried or partially finished design; others say the route, timing, and parking pattern reflect deliberate planning. “More corroborative evidence is needed to arrive at a conclusion. The probe is at an early stage,” one officer cautioned to TOI.Two live cartridges were also recovered from the site, police sources told TOI.Who: The “doctor module,” an alleged lone-wolf driver – and a campus at the centerIdentity of the driver. Delhi Police believe the man in the car was Dr Umar Un Nabi, 29, a Pulwama resident and former topper at Government Medical College, Srinagar, who later worked at GMC Anantnag before moving to teach at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Only an arm-thought to be his-was recovered near the wreck. A definitive identification awaits DNA confirmation; officers took his mother’s sample, TOI’s Naseer Ganai reported from Pulwama. A CCTV clip reportedly shows him sitting alone in the i20 at one of the stops.The network: Investigators tie the blast to a Jaish-e-Mohammed module spread across J&K, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with handlers in Türkiye and Afghanistan’s Nangarhar allegedly guiding parts of the plot. The module’s standout feature, as TOI’s Nikhil Sharma and Bagish Jha chronicled, is the cluster of young doctors associated with Al-Falah University who were teaching MBBS while allegedly moonlighting in a terror network. Among those under arrest or scrutiny:Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie (Pulwama), who managed the university hospital’s emergency wing and taught MBBS students. Arrested on October 30 by J&K Police, he led investigators to staggering seizures: nearly 2,900 kg of explosive and flammable chemicals, a Krinkov assault rifle with three magazines, 83 live cartridges, a pistol with eight live rounds, extra magazines, 20 timers, four batteries, remotes, a walkie-talkie, 12 suitcases and a bucket packed with explosive material-recovered from rooms he had rented in Dauj and Dehar Colony near the university.Dr Shaheen Shahid (Lucknow), a colleague at Al-Falah whom investigators say was part of the same cluster. She was taken into custody after an assault rifle-which police allege Muzammil had placed in her car-was recovered in Faridabad. Probes also point to the women’s wing of JeM, Jamaat-ul-Mominat, helmed by Sadia, sister of JeM founder Masood Azhar.Dr Adeel Majeed Rather (Kulgam), formerly a senior resident at Anantnag Medical College, who moved to Saharanpur and was arrested Thursday.Dr Sajad Malik (Pulwama), picked up for questioning; it is unclear whether he is a suspect or a potential source of information about Umar.Mohd Istaq, a cleric linked to a mosque frequented by Al-Falah’s community, whose modest background and recently built home near Dehar Colony have drawn scrutiny after 358 kg of ammonium nitrate was found in a room rented by Muzammil.Family voices from Pulwama. At Umar’s home in Koil village, relatives recounted that police arrived, seized phones, and took two family members for questioning. His sister-in-law Muzamila Akhtar said the last call with Umar was on Friday: “He told me he will be coming home after three days, and we were all happy”. She added: “He was our only hope,” and, “His father was a teacher who later lost his senses… I can’t believe Umar could be involved in such a thing.”Also read: Was Red Fort attack planned for January 26? What Faridabad doctor’s phone revealedIn another Koil neighborhood, Shakeel Ahmad, father of Muzammil, told TOI: “They told us he had been brought from Faridabad for probe. We were shocked,” adding, “He has been there for two years. He would call us regularly.”A faculty member at Al-Falah voiced the campus’s distress to TOI: “We never imagined something like this could happen here. The university always prided itself on academic excellence and inclusivity. This has shaken us to the core.”Why: A claimed motive tied to “Operation Sindoor” – and the panic-vs-planning debateDelhi Police’s FIR under UAPA Sections 16 and 18 (terror act and conspiracy) aligns with an initial intelligence assessment: the JeM module allegedly sought to avenge damage to the group’s Bahawalpur headquarters inflicted during Operation Sindoor.Why the explosion unfolded on Monday specifically is unsettled. One theory suggests Umar panicked after the arrest of Dr Muzammil-the Faridabad lynchpin-and set off in the loaded car to avoid being picked up, possibly attempting to dump the explosives or hide the vehicle. The competing view is that the timing, location, and parking point to “proper planning”, not a mishap. As a senior officer put it to TOI, “More corroborative evidence is needed to arrive at a conclusion. The probe is at an early stage.”Separately, TOI’s Bharti Jain cited security sources who argued the device was loosely assembled and the vehicle was not driven into a dense crowd, both factors that may indicate an unintended or premature detonation. One official told TOI that the crackdown that yielded nearly 3,000 kg of explosives likely forced the suspect’s hand. Another summarised the state’s view of the busts: “This is a success of our intelligence agencies, security apparatus and law enforcement officers.”What (and who) the blast took: Lives halting mid-errand, mid-shift, mid-reunionAshok Kumar (34), a DTC driver, and Lokesh Agarwal (52) met briefly after months apart; by dawn, both were back in Amroha, wrapped in white. Mohsin (32), an e-rickshaw driver, worked long hours to keep two children in school; his vehicle was crushed in the debris. Noman Ansari (22) had come from Shamli to buy cosmetics for his shop; his brother lived, he did not.Dinesh Mishra (32), back from Diwali with his daughters in Shravasti, returned to work at a printing press-he never came home. Pankaj Sahni (22), a cabbie from Bihar, was idling at a signal when the i20 ahead exploded. Mohammad Jumman (35) was steering toward Shastri Park; his phone location froze on his brother’s screen and then never moved.And there was Amar Kataria (33), a Sriniwaspuri pharmacist who had just phoned his father about dinner plans. His family found his second phone in the rubble; later, they identified him with a tattoo. His father told TOI, “My grandson just turned three in Sept. My daughter-in-law Kriti is trying to hold herself together, but she doesn’t know how she will raise her son without his father.” The car: A paper trail through dealers and citiesTOI’s Bagish Jha tracked the i20’s paper trail. Bought new in 2014 by Dilip of Old Gurgaon, the car was sold in 2020 to Mohammad Salman, a glass-factory worker who registered it to a Shanti Nagar address. Salman later moved to Sohna and, during Ramzan this year, sold the car via an online marketplace. But the registration never changed, leaving his name on the records.From there the i20 went to a Delhi dealer, then on to Taufiq in Faridabad through an intermediary named Sonu. After the blast, police landed at the old Shanti Nagar address, then traced relatives and finally reached Salman in Global Heights. Salman showed digital proof of sale and was handed, along with his brother Javed, to Delhi Police for questioning. “We sold the car legally. We have nothing to do with this incident,” Salman’s wife told TOI. Sonu, the dealer who last transferred the vehicle to Taufiq, was picked up for questioning by Delhi Police’s Special Cell.What next: NIA takes charge, DNA tests, more raids – and the questions investigators need to answerNIA steps in. The National Investigation Agency has taken over the case from Delhi Police, The FIR under UAPA Sections 16 and 18 cements the terror-attack framing. Delhi Police also recovered two live cartridges at the scene.DNA and forensics. The identity of the deceased driver hinges on a DNA match with his mother. Final explosives forensics-from the 42 exhibits-is expected to clarify whether PETN, Semtex, RDX, or an ANFO variant was used, and how the detonator and timer were rigged.Network roll-up. Raids continue across J&K, Haryana, and UP. Faridabad Police mounted an 800-person combing operation around Al-Falah and nearby villages, temporarily detaining about 70 people for questioning and harvesting CCTV from neighborhoods where Muzammil rented rooms. The sweep also covers associates from the same regions as those already detained or arrested. Yashpal, a Faridabad Police spokesperson, told TOI: “The FIR had been registered in J&K. It was only then that Muzammil was arrested, and the recovery of explosives and weapons were made from Faridabad. No FIR in connection with this case has been registered in Faridabad so far.”The motive and the method. Investigators must still reconcile two narratives: a premeditated strike planned to maximize casualties near an evening crowd, or a rushed detonation triggered by the heat of ongoing raids and seizures that made continued storage and movement of explosives too risky. One officer underscored to TOI that “Whether this blast was premeditated or accidental is a matter of investigation,” while another insisted the larger dismantling of the module remains the more consequential story: “This is a success of our intelligence agencies, security apparatus and law enforcement officers.”(Information, timelines, field reporting and interviews in this article draw on the work of TOI journalists Rajshekhar Jha, Bharti Jain Naseer Ganai, Abhay, Nikhil Sharma and Bagish Jha.)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 MediaVideosModern Warfare Has Changed: Indian Army Chief General Dwivedi Calls To Redefine Air Defence DoctrineOperation Sindoor Redefined India’s Warfare With Cyber Resilience And Electronic Dominance: IAFWatch: Khawaja Asif Shocked as Journalist Informs Him TTP Claimed Islamabad Blast’India Won’t Be A Dumping Ground’: Piyush Goyal Blasts China For Unfair And Unethical Trade PracticePiyush Goyal Sends Strong Reply To Donald Trump, Says India Wants Fair But Balanced Trade AgreementIndia Hits Back at Pak Over Baseless Islamabad Blast AllegationsTTP Owns Up to Islamabad Attack, Pak PM Points Finger at India & AfghanistanMaha Gajraj Exercise: IAF Conducts Highway Landing Operations Near Barmer-Jalore Border12 Killed In Car Bomb Blast In Islamabad; PM Sharif Blames ‘India-Sponsored Terrorist Proxies”Hunt Down Every…’: Amit Shah Says Delhi Car Blast Culprits To Face ‘Full Wrath Of Agencies’123PhotostoriesBaby boy names inspired by the UK Royal familyNorthern lights: How to explain this celestial phenomenon to your childWhat should be the ideal heart rate and its link with cardiovascular health?Delhi Red Fort car blast: When, How & Who?How to handle dirty office politics: 5 Bhagavad Gita quotes to survive it gracefullyBaby names inspired by snow, ice, and winter’s magic7 subtle signs of dementia most people missChildren’s Day 2025: How to make this day truly special for your kids‘It starts at the foot’: The symptom that could signal heart failure, liver disease, or blood clotsBest children’s books by Sudha Murty every young reader should explore123Hot PicksBihar Election CandidatesBihar Election ConstituenciesBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingBabar AzamActor GovindaMLB Trade RumorsStephen Curry WifeDelhi GRAP 3Michael Willis Cause of DeathDelhi BlastStephen CurryJerry JonesMichael Duarte Cause of Death

Vamsikrishna011 mins mins

Blast near Red Fort in Delhi NEW DELHI: A Hyundai i20 exploded near the Red Fort around 6:52pm on Monday, killing at least 12 people. Investigators are treating the incident as a terrorist strike under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and tracing it to a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) network that allegedly involved radicalised young doctors and…

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RSSB Lab Assistant exam 2026 dates announced, written test on May 9 and 10: Details on exam centres and next steps

RSSB Lab Assistant exam 2026 dates announced, written test on May 9 and 10: Details on exam centres and next steps

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

RSSB Lab Assistant exam 2026 dates announced The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) has announced the exam dates for the Lab Assistant Recruitment 2026. The recruitment drive aims to fill 804 posts of Lab Assistant and Junior Lab Assistant in Science and Geography subjects. Candidates who have successfully applied can now check the examination schedule…

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Robert Irwin teases Hollywood future after new Columbia campaign: ‘This is my first little toe-dip into it’

Robert Irwin teases Hollywood future after new Columbia campaign: ‘This is my first little toe-dip into it’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Robert Irwin has clarified speculation about a Hollywood acting career following a trailer for ‘Max Impact.’ The 22-year-old conservationist revealed the clip is for a new advertising campaign with Columbia, though he hinted at future acting possibilities. This follows his cameo in ‘Zootopia 2’ and his ‘Dancing With The Stars’ win, expanding his entertainment presence….

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India vs Afghanistan: KL Rahul sheds T20 edginess, Sai Sudharsan makes the most of ‘long rope’ | Cricket News

India vs Afghanistan: KL Rahul sheds T20 edginess, Sai Sudharsan makes the most of ‘long rope’ | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

India’s KL Rahul, left, and Sai Sudharsan run between the wickets (PTI Photo) TimesofIndia.com in Mullanpur: The challenge before KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan was not Afghanistan’s bowling attack. It was the transition from two months of relentless T20 cricket back to the demands of Test cricket. One had to rediscover patience after a prolific…

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Delhi-NCR rain alert on April 29: Thunderstorms, showers bring much-needed relief from heatwaves; what travellers need to know

Delhi-NCR rain alert on April 29: Thunderstorms, showers bring much-needed relief from heatwaves; what travellers need to know

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Delhi-NCR residents woke up to a cold, breezy and rain-filled morning on April 29, 2026. This is an unusual but welcome shift in weather from sweltering heat to pleasant weather. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds swept through the region, offering a dramatic break from days of extreme heat. The sudden downpour cooled temperatures and…

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Eva Mendes’ hilarious confession about the only co-star of Ryan Gosling she’s ever been jealous of

Eva Mendes’ hilarious confession about the only co-star of Ryan Gosling she’s ever been jealous of

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Eva Mendes playfully revealed her ‘most jealous’ co-star is Rocky, Ryan Gosling’s CGI companion in ‘Project Hail Mary’. Despite this lighthearted jab, Mendes cherishes filming ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ with Gosling, calling it his ‘greatest experience’. Meeting Ryan profoundly shifted Mendes’ perspective on motherhood, leading to their two daughters. Ryan Gosling can kiss in…

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NEW DELHI: The Congress finally ended Kerala’s suspense on Wednesday. Ten days after the UDF’s historic mandate, VD Satheesan was named chief minister. For a party that had just won 63 seats, with the UDF alliance winning 102, the delay was not about numbers or coalition arithmetic. It was about the Congress being unable to get out of its own way.Across the country, in West Bengal, the BJP had done the same thing in roughly 48 hours. 207 seats, a state won for the first time in the party’s history, and Suvendu Adhikari was named CM before the celebrations had properly begun (or Mamata had resigned). Similar scenes played out in Assam, where the saffron party secured a thumping mandate. There was never much doubt over the BJP’s choice for chief minister. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has led the party to consecutive victories in the state, has also played a key role in expanding the BJP’s footprint across the North East was the obvious choice.Also read: How 2026 Assam win established ‘outsider’ Himanta as party’s next-gen leaderTwo parties achieved historic victories in the same election cycle, yet they took completely different approaches afterward. One moves as if it has done this before. The other moves like it is battling inner turmoil even after securing a historic mandate.One party treats victory as the start of control; the other often treats it as the start of negotiation.So, what does the BJP understand about winning that the Congress keeps having to relearn? The BJP’s favourite trickThe BJP’s approach to choosing chief ministers since 2014 has followed a clear pattern. When the party wins a state, it often avoids picking the obvious frontrunner. Instead, it gives the top post to someone who may not be well known outside the state but has worked at the grassroots level or closely with the local leadership.The idea behind this strategy is simple. It prevents regional strongmen from becoming too powerful. It also ensures that the victory is seen as a mandate for the party and its central leadership, not for a local leader. At the same time, it sends a message to party workers that loyalty to the organisation matters more than personal ambition.The track record backs this up. When the BJP won Haryana in 2014, it went with Manohar Lal Khattar, a first-time MLA. When it replaced Vijay Rupani in Gujarat in 2021, Bhupendra Patel, another first-term MLA, got the job. In December 2023, after sweeping Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the BJP sent a clear message about its changing leadership model. Despite delivering major victories, veterans Vasundhara Raje, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Raman Singh were all passed over for the top job. Instead, the party chose relatively low-profile leaders, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Mohan Yadav and Vishnu Deo Sai, signalling its preference for fresh faces over entrenched regional heavyweights. Add Tripura’s Biplab Deb, Uttarakhand’s Pushkar Singh Dhami, Manipur’s N Biren Singh and Tripura’s Manik Saha to the list. These were not household names outside their states. However, they were chosen to govern quietly under the BJP’s national banner while the central leadership held the real reins.The BJP does sometimes allow strong regional leaders to emerge. Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh is the clearest example; leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, who have worked in the RSS ecosystem for decades, were also rewarded with the top post. But that usually happens after the party is already firmly established there. What Congress does insteadBefore getting into why these Assam and Bengal cases differ from the party’s normal approach, it is worth looking at what the BJP’s tightly controlled chief minister selection process is designed to avoid: prolonged public power struggles after an electoral win.That contrast was visible after Karnataka in 2023, when the Indian National Congress spent days in an open tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. Both leaders lobbied legislators, both made their case to Delhi, and the internal contest played out in full public view. Siddaramaiah eventually became chief minister, while Shivakumar was accommodated as deputy; however, their rivalry continues to make headlines even today.It was also not an isolated episode. After winning Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in 2018, the Congress turned each victory into a drawn-out negotiation over leadership. In Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia were locked in a bitter contest for control. In Rajasthan, the feud between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot lasted longer than the government itself, nearly bringing it down in 2020.Now, in May 2026, the same drama played out in Kerala. The Congress-led United Democratic Front won a huge victory, taking 102 seats in the 140-member assembly, with the Congress alone winning 63. But even after such a clear mandate, the party took ten days to announce V. D. Satheesan as the state’s new chief minister, while other states that went to the polls had already named their CMs. The contest had narrowed to three names: AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, leader of the opposition in the assembly VD Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. Intense lobbying, competing camps and differing views within the party reportedly prolonged the process, even as other states that went to the polls had already finalised their chief ministers. Meetings between Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leaders continued deep into the week, while the prolonged uncertainty triggered memes, online mockery and growing frustration among party workers.When the announcement finally came, Satheesan had long appeared to be the obvious frontrunner. Himanta first, then SuvenduSo why did the BJP break from its own playbook in both Assam and Bengal?The answer is simpler than it looks: it did not, really. The playbook was never about picking unknown faces. It was about picking people who would not overshadow the central leadership or build independent power centres. Himanta Biswa Sarma is the template. He joined the BJP from the Congress in 2015 and spent years building the party’s footprint across the northeast as convener of the North East Democratic Alliance. By the time the BJP won Assam in 2021, he was the clear frontrunner for the top spot. He was the reason the party had the numbers to win. The central leadership recognised that and acted accordingly.Suvendu Adhikari’s path to the Bengal CM post follows the same logic.Adhikari’s political career began in the Congress before he moved with his family to the TMC when Mamata Banerjee formed the party in 1998. He was at the heart of the Nandigram agitation in 2007, the movement that broke the Left Front’s grip on rural Bengal and made Mamata a genuine mass leader. He won the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and held it in 2014. In 2016, he shifted to state politics, won Nandigram and went into Mamata’s cabinet as Transport Minister, later also handling Irrigation and Water Resources. His break with the TMC in late 2020, driven in part by his discomfort with the growing role of Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee within the party, was the single biggest jolt the TMC received before the 2021 elections. He joined the BJP at a rally in Midnapore alongside Amit Shah in December 2020.Then came the defining moments. In 2021, he contested against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, her chosen constituency, and defeated her by 1,956 votes. Five years later, in 2026, he did it again, this time in Bhabanipur, Mamata’s traditional stronghold, beating her by over 15,000 votes. He also won Nandigram simultaneously.The inside man advantageWhat makes Adhikari’s appointment particularly significant is not just what he did to the TMC, but what he knows about it.He spent over two decades building the Trinamool Congress from the ground up. He knows how rural networks function, how district power structures are wired, and who the key operators are at the booth level across multiple districts.This matters enormously for what comes next. The BJP’s victory in Bengal is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a consolidation challenge. The TMC’s grassroots organisation, built painstakingly over 15 years, did not disappear overnight when it lost the polls. The party workers, the district leaders, the local strongmen who ran things under the TMC, they are all still there, and many of them are now looking at which way the wind is blowing.What’s nextIn the end, the contrast between Bengal and Kerala was not really about Suvendu Adhikari or VD Satheesan. It was about what happens inside two parties the moment victory arrives.The BJP treats power like a system. Decisions are centralised, hierarchy is clear and uncertainty is minimised. Sometimes that means surprise chief ministers. Sometimes, as in Assam and Bengal, it means recognising when a leader has become too politically important to ignore. But either way, the party moves quickly, projects authority and ensures the focus stays on the organisation.The Congress still struggles with that instinct. Even after major victories, it often appears trapped in negotiation, balancing factions instead of controlling them. What should look like confidence instead begins to resemble hesitation. The BJP treats power as something to be seized and organised; the Congress still treats it as something to be negotiated and shared. One has a system. The other has a conversation.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

NEW DELHI: The Congress finally ended Kerala’s suspense on Wednesday. Ten days after the UDF’s historic mandate, VD Satheesan was named chief minister. For a party that had just won 63 seats, with the UDF alliance winning 102, the delay was not about numbers or coalition arithmetic. It was about the Congress being unable to get out of its own way.Across the country, in West Bengal, the BJP had done the same thing in roughly 48 hours. 207 seats, a state won for the first time in the party’s history, and Suvendu Adhikari was named CM before the celebrations had properly begun (or Mamata had resigned). Similar scenes played out in Assam, where the saffron party secured a thumping mandate. There was never much doubt over the BJP’s choice for chief minister. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has led the party to consecutive victories in the state, has also played a key role in expanding the BJP’s footprint across the North East was the obvious choice.Also read: How 2026 Assam win established ‘outsider’ Himanta as party’s next-gen leaderTwo parties achieved historic victories in the same election cycle, yet they took completely different approaches afterward. One moves as if it has done this before. The other moves like it is battling inner turmoil even after securing a historic mandate.One party treats victory as the start of control; the other often treats it as the start of negotiation.So, what does the BJP understand about winning that the Congress keeps having to relearn? The BJP’s favourite trickThe BJP’s approach to choosing chief ministers since 2014 has followed a clear pattern. When the party wins a state, it often avoids picking the obvious frontrunner. Instead, it gives the top post to someone who may not be well known outside the state but has worked at the grassroots level or closely with the local leadership.The idea behind this strategy is simple. It prevents regional strongmen from becoming too powerful. It also ensures that the victory is seen as a mandate for the party and its central leadership, not for a local leader. At the same time, it sends a message to party workers that loyalty to the organisation matters more than personal ambition.The track record backs this up. When the BJP won Haryana in 2014, it went with Manohar Lal Khattar, a first-time MLA. When it replaced Vijay Rupani in Gujarat in 2021, Bhupendra Patel, another first-term MLA, got the job. In December 2023, after sweeping Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the BJP sent a clear message about its changing leadership model. Despite delivering major victories, veterans Vasundhara Raje, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Raman Singh were all passed over for the top job. Instead, the party chose relatively low-profile leaders, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Mohan Yadav and Vishnu Deo Sai, signalling its preference for fresh faces over entrenched regional heavyweights. Add Tripura’s Biplab Deb, Uttarakhand’s Pushkar Singh Dhami, Manipur’s N Biren Singh and Tripura’s Manik Saha to the list. These were not household names outside their states. However, they were chosen to govern quietly under the BJP’s national banner while the central leadership held the real reins.The BJP does sometimes allow strong regional leaders to emerge. Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh is the clearest example; leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, who have worked in the RSS ecosystem for decades, were also rewarded with the top post. But that usually happens after the party is already firmly established there. What Congress does insteadBefore getting into why these Assam and Bengal cases differ from the party’s normal approach, it is worth looking at what the BJP’s tightly controlled chief minister selection process is designed to avoid: prolonged public power struggles after an electoral win.That contrast was visible after Karnataka in 2023, when the Indian National Congress spent days in an open tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. Both leaders lobbied legislators, both made their case to Delhi, and the internal contest played out in full public view. Siddaramaiah eventually became chief minister, while Shivakumar was accommodated as deputy; however, their rivalry continues to make headlines even today.It was also not an isolated episode. After winning Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in 2018, the Congress turned each victory into a drawn-out negotiation over leadership. In Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia were locked in a bitter contest for control. In Rajasthan, the feud between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot lasted longer than the government itself, nearly bringing it down in 2020.Now, in May 2026, the same drama played out in Kerala. The Congress-led United Democratic Front won a huge victory, taking 102 seats in the 140-member assembly, with the Congress alone winning 63. But even after such a clear mandate, the party took ten days to announce V. D. Satheesan as the state’s new chief minister, while other states that went to the polls had already named their CMs. The contest had narrowed to three names: AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, leader of the opposition in the assembly VD Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. Intense lobbying, competing camps and differing views within the party reportedly prolonged the process, even as other states that went to the polls had already finalised their chief ministers. Meetings between Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leaders continued deep into the week, while the prolonged uncertainty triggered memes, online mockery and growing frustration among party workers.When the announcement finally came, Satheesan had long appeared to be the obvious frontrunner. Himanta first, then SuvenduSo why did the BJP break from its own playbook in both Assam and Bengal?The answer is simpler than it looks: it did not, really. The playbook was never about picking unknown faces. It was about picking people who would not overshadow the central leadership or build independent power centres. Himanta Biswa Sarma is the template. He joined the BJP from the Congress in 2015 and spent years building the party’s footprint across the northeast as convener of the North East Democratic Alliance. By the time the BJP won Assam in 2021, he was the clear frontrunner for the top spot. He was the reason the party had the numbers to win. The central leadership recognised that and acted accordingly.Suvendu Adhikari’s path to the Bengal CM post follows the same logic.Adhikari’s political career began in the Congress before he moved with his family to the TMC when Mamata Banerjee formed the party in 1998. He was at the heart of the Nandigram agitation in 2007, the movement that broke the Left Front’s grip on rural Bengal and made Mamata a genuine mass leader. He won the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and held it in 2014. In 2016, he shifted to state politics, won Nandigram and went into Mamata’s cabinet as Transport Minister, later also handling Irrigation and Water Resources. His break with the TMC in late 2020, driven in part by his discomfort with the growing role of Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee within the party, was the single biggest jolt the TMC received before the 2021 elections. He joined the BJP at a rally in Midnapore alongside Amit Shah in December 2020.Then came the defining moments. In 2021, he contested against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, her chosen constituency, and defeated her by 1,956 votes. Five years later, in 2026, he did it again, this time in Bhabanipur, Mamata’s traditional stronghold, beating her by over 15,000 votes. He also won Nandigram simultaneously.The inside man advantageWhat makes Adhikari’s appointment particularly significant is not just what he did to the TMC, but what he knows about it.He spent over two decades building the Trinamool Congress from the ground up. He knows how rural networks function, how district power structures are wired, and who the key operators are at the booth level across multiple districts.This matters enormously for what comes next. The BJP’s victory in Bengal is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a consolidation challenge. The TMC’s grassroots organisation, built painstakingly over 15 years, did not disappear overnight when it lost the polls. The party workers, the district leaders, the local strongmen who ran things under the TMC, they are all still there, and many of them are now looking at which way the wind is blowing.What’s nextIn the end, the contrast between Bengal and Kerala was not really about Suvendu Adhikari or VD Satheesan. It was about what happens inside two parties the moment victory arrives.The BJP treats power like a system. Decisions are centralised, hierarchy is clear and uncertainty is minimised. Sometimes that means surprise chief ministers. Sometimes, as in Assam and Bengal, it means recognising when a leader has become too politically important to ignore. But either way, the party moves quickly, projects authority and ensures the focus stays on the organisation.The Congress still struggles with that instinct. Even after major victories, it often appears trapped in negotiation, balancing factions instead of controlling them. What should look like confidence instead begins to resemble hesitation. The BJP treats power as something to be seized and organised; the Congress still treats it as something to be negotiated and shared. One has a system. The other has a conversation.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna08 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Congress finally ended Kerala’s suspense on Wednesday. Ten days after the UDF’s historic mandate, VD Satheesan was named chief minister. For a party that had just won 63 seats, with the UDF alliance winning 102, the delay was not about numbers or coalition arithmetic. It was about the Congress being unable to…

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Polling preparations are underway in Puducherry for the April 9 Assembly elections, with the Election Commission stepping up safeguards, including provisions for repoll in case of deliberate disruption of webcasting at polling stations. Officials said returning officers can recommend a repoll if such interference is detected, amid concerns over possible disturbances during voting.The Union Territory’s 30-seat Assembly is witnessing a contest primarily between the ruling NDA– led by All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) and BJP — and the Congress-DMK alliance, with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) also in the fray, seeking to make it triangular. Counting of votes will be held on May 4, and the current Assembly term is set to expire on June 15. Watch Kerala Elections 2026: Big Battles, Key Seats and Heavyweight Candidates to Watch Follow full coverage of assembly pollsHere are the full list of constituencies MannadipetThirubhuvanai (SC)Ossudu (SC)MangalamVillianurOzhukaraiKadirgamamIndira NagarThattanchavadyKamaraj NagarLawspetKalapetMuthialpetRaj BhavanOupalamOrleampethNellithopeMudaliarpetAriankuppamManavelyEmbalam (SC)Nettapakkam (SC)BahourNedungadu (SC)ThirunallarKaraikal NorthKaraikal SouthNeravy TR PattinamMahe YanamAbout 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 MediaVideos’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US‘Hormuz Disruptions Could Hit Growth’: RBI Governor Malhotra Flags Oil, Inflation Risks After MPCJaishankar To Visit UAE, Signals India’s Strategic Push After US, Iran Strike Ceasefire In West AsiaIndia Welcomes US-Iran Peace Push But Warns Against Further Disruption In Hormuz Supply Chain RouteFour Killed in Fresh Manipur Violence After Months of Calm; Probe Handed to NIACeasefire No Guarantee: Indian Embassy In Tehran Issues Urgent Exit Advisory For Citizens In IranIndia-US Ties Gain Momentum As Sergio Gor Meets Donald Trump, Vikram Misri Begins Crucial VisitPakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Draft Tweet On US-Iran Ceasefire Sparks Row Over Diplomatic CredibilityIndian Army Releases UAV And Loitering Munition Roadmap, Focus On Drone-Centric WarfareDelhi-Dhaka Ties Reset As Bangladesh FM Arrives In India; Focus On Border, Visa, Energy & Trade123PhotostoriesMumbai Metro crosses 100km, overtakes Bengaluru to become India’s second-largest network after Delhi-NCRInside Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ₹8 crore Pune residence that defines modern luxuryWhat is your power word for the week; based on your birth numberFrom nutrition to toxicity: Why overdosing on vitamin-rich superfoods can harm your eyes, and what expert recommends insteadMumbai’s first driverless pod taxi: 8.85-km network with 22 stations to ease congestion in BKC10 frozen foods you should throw away from your kitchen pantryVaibhav Sooryavanshi: 5 things teens can learn from the young cricket sensationWhat blocks your wealth according to numerologyIBS is disrupting your life: Doctor-recommended diet and lifestyle changes that actually relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms10 years on, Barapullah III still unfinished: 8.5-acre land dispute stalls key Delhi bridge project123Hot PicksShreyas Iyer SisterUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce RelationshipIPL 2026Donald TrumpB V NagarathnaMP High CourtMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Polling preparations are underway in Puducherry for the April 9 Assembly elections, with the Election Commission stepping up safeguards, including provisions for repoll in case of deliberate disruption of webcasting at polling stations. Officials said returning officers can recommend a repoll if such interference is detected, amid concerns over possible disturbances during voting.The Union Territory’s 30-seat Assembly is witnessing a contest primarily between the ruling NDA– led by All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) and BJP — and the Congress-DMK alliance, with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) also in the fray, seeking to make it triangular. Counting of votes will be held on May 4, and the current Assembly term is set to expire on June 15. Watch Kerala Elections 2026: Big Battles, Key Seats and Heavyweight Candidates to Watch Follow full coverage of assembly pollsHere are the full list of constituencies MannadipetThirubhuvanai (SC)Ossudu (SC)MangalamVillianurOzhukaraiKadirgamamIndira NagarThattanchavadyKamaraj NagarLawspetKalapetMuthialpetRaj BhavanOupalamOrleampethNellithopeMudaliarpetAriankuppamManavelyEmbalam (SC)Nettapakkam (SC)BahourNedungadu (SC)ThirunallarKaraikal NorthKaraikal SouthNeravy TR PattinamMahe YanamAbout 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 MediaVideos’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US‘Hormuz Disruptions Could Hit Growth’: RBI Governor Malhotra Flags Oil, Inflation Risks After MPCJaishankar To Visit UAE, Signals India’s Strategic Push After US, Iran Strike Ceasefire In West AsiaIndia Welcomes US-Iran Peace Push But Warns Against Further Disruption In Hormuz Supply Chain RouteFour Killed in Fresh Manipur Violence After Months of Calm; Probe Handed to NIACeasefire No Guarantee: Indian Embassy In Tehran Issues Urgent Exit Advisory For Citizens In IranIndia-US Ties Gain Momentum As Sergio Gor Meets Donald Trump, Vikram Misri Begins Crucial VisitPakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Draft Tweet On US-Iran Ceasefire Sparks Row Over Diplomatic CredibilityIndian Army Releases UAV And Loitering Munition Roadmap, Focus On Drone-Centric WarfareDelhi-Dhaka Ties Reset As Bangladesh FM Arrives In India; Focus On Border, Visa, Energy & Trade123PhotostoriesMumbai Metro crosses 100km, overtakes Bengaluru to become India’s second-largest network after Delhi-NCRInside Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ₹8 crore Pune residence that defines modern luxuryWhat is your power word for the week; based on your birth numberFrom nutrition to toxicity: Why overdosing on vitamin-rich superfoods can harm your eyes, and what expert recommends insteadMumbai’s first driverless pod taxi: 8.85-km network with 22 stations to ease congestion in BKC10 frozen foods you should throw away from your kitchen pantryVaibhav Sooryavanshi: 5 things teens can learn from the young cricket sensationWhat blocks your wealth according to numerologyIBS is disrupting your life: Doctor-recommended diet and lifestyle changes that actually relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms10 years on, Barapullah III still unfinished: 8.5-acre land dispute stalls key Delhi bridge project123Hot PicksShreyas Iyer SisterUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce RelationshipIPL 2026Donald TrumpB V NagarathnaMP High CourtMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Polling preparations are underway in Puducherry for the April 9 Assembly elections, with the Election Commission stepping up safeguards, including provisions for repoll in case of deliberate disruption of webcasting at polling stations. Officials said returning officers can recommend a repoll if such interference is detected, amid concerns over possible disturbances during voting.The Union Territory’s…

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From reversing waterfalls and doorless homes; Maharashtra’s most unique wonders every curious traveller should experience

From reversing waterfalls and doorless homes; Maharashtra’s most unique wonders every curious traveller should experience

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Deep in the sugarcane belt of Ahmednagar, there is a settlement operating on absolute, blind trust. Nobody here locks up. Homes, guest houses, and local shops literally lack wooden doors. You’ll just see empty doorframes with curtains fluttering in the wind. Even the local UCO Bank branch plays along; they use glass panels and remote…

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