May 19, 2026
Texas proposes Bible stories in school curriculum, sparks debate on religion in American classrooms

Texas proposes Bible stories in school curriculum, sparks debate on religion in American classrooms

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Bible stories in Texas classrooms? Proposal triggers nationwide debate (AI Image) Texas is once again at the centre of a national debate on religion in public education, as proposals to include Biblical stories such as Jonah and the Whale in school reading lists spark sharp divisions among educators, parents, and religious leaders, according to a…

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UAE becomes world’s first ‘10 giga’ nation, launches ultra-fast U6GHz internet network | World News

UAE becomes world’s first ‘10 giga’ nation, launches ultra-fast U6GHz internet network | World News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

UAE launches world’s first ultra-fast U6GHz internet network/Representative Image The UAE has taken a big step in internet technology by launching the world’s first commercial upper 6GHz (U6GHz) network. The announcement was made during the SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit 2026, with the rollout led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).Simply put, this…

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Normally, electoral processions carry a sense of frenzy and festivity. In the dance of democracy, it is one of the rare moments when voters directly meet their candidates, while party workers drum up support with boisterous slogans. Following Abhaya’s mother, the RG Kar victim’s mother who is contesting on a BJP ticket from Panihati on the outskirts of Kolkata, however, turned out to be a very different experience. The air was heavy, and the slogans were more along the lines of Abhayar rakto, hobe naki bartho (Abhaya’s blood will not go in vain) and Kanya jadi na thake, Kanyashreer ki hobe? (What is the use of a scheme for the girl child if girls themselves are not safe?). It was a grim reminder of what is at stake in this election.As TOI tracked Abhaya’s mother on the campaign trail, one could sense a palpable grief. Elderly women broke down. Younger women tried to console the candidate. Some spoke on camera, many refused, but most were emphatic that the RG Kar incident, in which a doctor intern was brutally raped in the seminar hall of the government hospital in Kolkata on August 9, 2024, would influence their electoral choice.Later, in a detailed interview with TOI, Abhaya’s mother explained why she entered politics. Politics, she said, was never the plan. But once her daughter’s death became part of Bengal’s political argument, she felt she had a greater right than anyone else to occupy that space.The campaign has brought support, but also memory. At every stop, she is reminded of the daughter she lost, a bright young woman whose future was cut short. Grief is no longer private. Her first goal, she said, remains justice for Abhaya. Politics, in her telling, has become necessary because she no longer trusts the system to deliver that justice on its own. And in naming that failure, she did not speak vaguely. Her attack ran across the political class, the health minister and the hospital authorities who, she alleged, behaved with a chilling haste after the crime. Her most serious charge was that those in positions of responsibility were ready to treat her daughter as dead even before she had been formally declared so. For the BJP candidate, that goes beyond negligence. It points to a system more interested in managing the aftermath than answering the family. She linked that directly to what she called corruption in the health department, saying it had stolen her daughter’s future. Now, she says, the goal is stripped down to two things: justice for Abhaya and accountability for everyone she believes failed her.Full coverage of assembly election 2026Full transcript of the interview, lightly editedTOI: What are people telling you on the campaign trail?Abhaya’s mother: I would like to ask you, what reaction did you see?TOI: Many were emotional. What did they say?Abhaya’s mother: They are saying, ‘We are all with you.’TOI: When did you decide to enter politics? When did you feel this was necessary for justice?Abhaya’s mother: I never wanted to be in politics. There is so much pain. A candidate from this seat had almost been chosen, but then I felt that since my girl had been made part of politics, I had the greatest right to step in, because I am the one still living with that pain. My house has lost a member. That has not happened to anyone else.I want to thank all those who treated my girl like their own family member. I am grateful to those who protested. My objection is only to those who used my daughter politically.Recently, a doctor couple who were our neighbours died by drowning in Mandarmani. I went to offer condolences. It was hard for me to stand there for long. But the person known as the guardian of Panihati was not there. He, Nirmal Ghosh, is the person who, on the night of August 9, 2024, did not meet me but held a two-hour meeting with the principal of RG Kar to ensure that the body could be quickly disposed of through the last rites.TOI: There are rival claims over who tried to stop the hearse van. What is your thought on that?Abhaya’s mother: Don’t say they stopped the hearse van. They tried. No one could manage to do it. We, as parents, failed. They also could not do so.TOI: You seem to be facing more attacks than others like Tamannah’s mother in similar situations. Why do you think that is?Abhaya’s mother: I don’t know. Those resorting to slander are doing their job. I refuse to engage with them. The more they try to defame me, the more I know I am on the right track.TOI: If you win, how will you balance justice for Abhaya with public expectations as a representative?Abhaya’s mother: It won’t be an issue. I belong to a very ordinary family. I was even called Darji Kakima. We run a business of making school dresses. When my daughter was small, I handled almost the whole process myself.Even while doing tailoring work, I raised a daughter who stood up to the mafia for common people. She had the courage to call a spade a spade, and that is why she was killed in her workplace. That struggle was much harder.TOI: So whatever the election result, the legal fight will continue?Abhaya’s mother: Of course. The legal battle is my number one priority.TOI: Her school remembered her as bright, sincere and unusually disciplined. Does hearing that bring everything back?Abhaya’s mother: Yes, she was a very meritorious child. Even when she played as a kid, she would recite the Bengali and English rhymes she had learnt. When she went to the park with my mother-in-law, everyone would ask her to recite them.TOI: Do those memories return constantly during the campaign?Abhaya’s mother: Certainly. I always like to believe she is still with me. That gives me some peace. Otherwise, I become very restless.TOI: And when you return home?Abhaya’s mother: It always happens. I never thought I would contest an election. My daughter wanted to do an MD and then go for a DM. She was doing a couple of online courses as well. Were we supposed to be in this position? We weren’t.Because of the corruption of the health minister, my daughter had to suffer. I just wish I had not enrolled her in RG Kar. Or if, in 2021, when a case was filed against Sandeep Ghosh, the chief minister had acted swiftly, then probably my daughter would have been safe.TOI: The slogan about Kanyashree has become central to your campaign. What does it mean to you?Abhaya’s mother: After my daughter’s incident, there have probably been 200 such incidents. But probably no one was treated like my daughter, where they tried to dispose of the body like that of a dog or a cat.The most shocking part is that senior authorities like the HoD and Sandeep Ghosh told the court that when they heard someone was dead, they simply asked for the body to be sent to the morgue. But she had not been declared dead at that moment. Even before that, they tried to send her to the morgue. We have proof of it.I will definitely get justice. Education, health and the right to live well are democratic rights. Those have been taken away from us. The education system is broken. Health has a very stylish facade, but inside, a lot is lacking. RG Kar has not changed. It is still the same.We have recently found two more instances. There was the lift mishap leading to death, and then a heart patient died because doctors made him walk. That is not how a patient should be treated.TOI: You have met Nirbhaya’s mother. Did that conversation shape your decision?Abhaya’s mother: In Nirbhaya’s case, the perpetrators were arrested then and there. But in this case, we still have not arrested all of them. I know who killed Abhaya, but we have not caught them.That is why I needed a political platform to ensure justice for my daughter. This government is highly corrupt. Many departments are compromised, and evidence has been destroyed. There were bite marks on my girl’s face, but some masking agent was used so those marks were not visible. In this fight, I need power. That is why I joined politics.TOI: Critics say such crimes happen in BJP-ruled states too. Why join this party then?Abhaya’s mother: If you look at the Hathras incident, a BJP worker was involved, and he is currently in jail, not outside.TOI: So your point is simple: anyone guilty of a heinous crime must be punished quickly?Abhaya’s mother: Certainly. Here, one of my workers’ houses was ransacked yesterday by associates of the person who calls himself the guardian of Panihati. I have no message for his son, who is contesting. But if my workers are attacked, I will not stay silent. I will raise my voice.TOI: Even in a contest like this, do you feel there is more political muscle-flexing than healthy rivalry?Abhaya’s mother: There is so much corruption that governance has completely collapsed. A few days back, job aspirants were sitting on the road and the police beat me up. When I went for Nabanna Abhiyan, I was attacked. The police are behaving in a completely partisan manner.TOI: So that is the larger fight for you?Abhaya’s mother: The main fight is to ensure that women get safety, security and respect. This is the fight of all women, not just mine.TOI: What is your message to women across the country?Abhaya’s mother: I am grateful to people from different parts of the world, especially women, who have raised their voices. My daughter’s incident had a global impact. During the first Reclaim the Night procession, I paid tribute to my daughter and said: I had known you for 30 years, but I did not know your strength.So many people die in so many places, but this incident became a great unifier. People from different castes, creeds and religions took part in the protest. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting Club stood in unison. And even then justice was denied. That is why I am going door to door for justice. This is not politics. This is blatant corruption.When TOI finally reached her home, a plaque there seemed to sum up, in a few stark words, the struggle her parents are still living through. It said, Abhayar ei mati te, dhorshokder thai nai (There is no space for rapists in the land of Abhaya). It is clear from the campaign trail that the BJP candidate is asking voters to see her candidacy not as a break from mourning, but as the next stage of a fight she believes is still unfinished.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJaishankar 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 & TradeManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions Rise123PhotostoriesMumbai 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

Normally, electoral processions carry a sense of frenzy and festivity. In the dance of democracy, it is one of the rare moments when voters directly meet their candidates, while party workers drum up support with boisterous slogans. Following Abhaya’s mother, the RG Kar victim’s mother who is contesting on a BJP ticket from Panihati on the outskirts of Kolkata, however, turned out to be a very different experience. The air was heavy, and the slogans were more along the lines of Abhayar rakto, hobe naki bartho (Abhaya’s blood will not go in vain) and Kanya jadi na thake, Kanyashreer ki hobe? (What is the use of a scheme for the girl child if girls themselves are not safe?). It was a grim reminder of what is at stake in this election.As TOI tracked Abhaya’s mother on the campaign trail, one could sense a palpable grief. Elderly women broke down. Younger women tried to console the candidate. Some spoke on camera, many refused, but most were emphatic that the RG Kar incident, in which a doctor intern was brutally raped in the seminar hall of the government hospital in Kolkata on August 9, 2024, would influence their electoral choice.Later, in a detailed interview with TOI, Abhaya’s mother explained why she entered politics. Politics, she said, was never the plan. But once her daughter’s death became part of Bengal’s political argument, she felt she had a greater right than anyone else to occupy that space.The campaign has brought support, but also memory. At every stop, she is reminded of the daughter she lost, a bright young woman whose future was cut short. Grief is no longer private. Her first goal, she said, remains justice for Abhaya. Politics, in her telling, has become necessary because she no longer trusts the system to deliver that justice on its own. And in naming that failure, she did not speak vaguely. Her attack ran across the political class, the health minister and the hospital authorities who, she alleged, behaved with a chilling haste after the crime. Her most serious charge was that those in positions of responsibility were ready to treat her daughter as dead even before she had been formally declared so. For the BJP candidate, that goes beyond negligence. It points to a system more interested in managing the aftermath than answering the family. She linked that directly to what she called corruption in the health department, saying it had stolen her daughter’s future. Now, she says, the goal is stripped down to two things: justice for Abhaya and accountability for everyone she believes failed her.Full coverage of assembly election 2026Full transcript of the interview, lightly editedTOI: What are people telling you on the campaign trail?Abhaya’s mother: I would like to ask you, what reaction did you see?TOI: Many were emotional. What did they say?Abhaya’s mother: They are saying, ‘We are all with you.’TOI: When did you decide to enter politics? When did you feel this was necessary for justice?Abhaya’s mother: I never wanted to be in politics. There is so much pain. A candidate from this seat had almost been chosen, but then I felt that since my girl had been made part of politics, I had the greatest right to step in, because I am the one still living with that pain. My house has lost a member. That has not happened to anyone else.I want to thank all those who treated my girl like their own family member. I am grateful to those who protested. My objection is only to those who used my daughter politically.Recently, a doctor couple who were our neighbours died by drowning in Mandarmani. I went to offer condolences. It was hard for me to stand there for long. But the person known as the guardian of Panihati was not there. He, Nirmal Ghosh, is the person who, on the night of August 9, 2024, did not meet me but held a two-hour meeting with the principal of RG Kar to ensure that the body could be quickly disposed of through the last rites.TOI: There are rival claims over who tried to stop the hearse van. What is your thought on that?Abhaya’s mother: Don’t say they stopped the hearse van. They tried. No one could manage to do it. We, as parents, failed. They also could not do so.TOI: You seem to be facing more attacks than others like Tamannah’s mother in similar situations. Why do you think that is?Abhaya’s mother: I don’t know. Those resorting to slander are doing their job. I refuse to engage with them. The more they try to defame me, the more I know I am on the right track.TOI: If you win, how will you balance justice for Abhaya with public expectations as a representative?Abhaya’s mother: It won’t be an issue. I belong to a very ordinary family. I was even called Darji Kakima. We run a business of making school dresses. When my daughter was small, I handled almost the whole process myself.Even while doing tailoring work, I raised a daughter who stood up to the mafia for common people. She had the courage to call a spade a spade, and that is why she was killed in her workplace. That struggle was much harder.TOI: So whatever the election result, the legal fight will continue?Abhaya’s mother: Of course. The legal battle is my number one priority.TOI: Her school remembered her as bright, sincere and unusually disciplined. Does hearing that bring everything back?Abhaya’s mother: Yes, she was a very meritorious child. Even when she played as a kid, she would recite the Bengali and English rhymes she had learnt. When she went to the park with my mother-in-law, everyone would ask her to recite them.TOI: Do those memories return constantly during the campaign?Abhaya’s mother: Certainly. I always like to believe she is still with me. That gives me some peace. Otherwise, I become very restless.TOI: And when you return home?Abhaya’s mother: It always happens. I never thought I would contest an election. My daughter wanted to do an MD and then go for a DM. She was doing a couple of online courses as well. Were we supposed to be in this position? We weren’t.Because of the corruption of the health minister, my daughter had to suffer. I just wish I had not enrolled her in RG Kar. Or if, in 2021, when a case was filed against Sandeep Ghosh, the chief minister had acted swiftly, then probably my daughter would have been safe.TOI: The slogan about Kanyashree has become central to your campaign. What does it mean to you?Abhaya’s mother: After my daughter’s incident, there have probably been 200 such incidents. But probably no one was treated like my daughter, where they tried to dispose of the body like that of a dog or a cat.The most shocking part is that senior authorities like the HoD and Sandeep Ghosh told the court that when they heard someone was dead, they simply asked for the body to be sent to the morgue. But she had not been declared dead at that moment. Even before that, they tried to send her to the morgue. We have proof of it.I will definitely get justice. Education, health and the right to live well are democratic rights. Those have been taken away from us. The education system is broken. Health has a very stylish facade, but inside, a lot is lacking. RG Kar has not changed. It is still the same.We have recently found two more instances. There was the lift mishap leading to death, and then a heart patient died because doctors made him walk. That is not how a patient should be treated.TOI: You have met Nirbhaya’s mother. Did that conversation shape your decision?Abhaya’s mother: In Nirbhaya’s case, the perpetrators were arrested then and there. But in this case, we still have not arrested all of them. I know who killed Abhaya, but we have not caught them.That is why I needed a political platform to ensure justice for my daughter. This government is highly corrupt. Many departments are compromised, and evidence has been destroyed. There were bite marks on my girl’s face, but some masking agent was used so those marks were not visible. In this fight, I need power. That is why I joined politics.TOI: Critics say such crimes happen in BJP-ruled states too. Why join this party then?Abhaya’s mother: If you look at the Hathras incident, a BJP worker was involved, and he is currently in jail, not outside.TOI: So your point is simple: anyone guilty of a heinous crime must be punished quickly?Abhaya’s mother: Certainly. Here, one of my workers’ houses was ransacked yesterday by associates of the person who calls himself the guardian of Panihati. I have no message for his son, who is contesting. But if my workers are attacked, I will not stay silent. I will raise my voice.TOI: Even in a contest like this, do you feel there is more political muscle-flexing than healthy rivalry?Abhaya’s mother: There is so much corruption that governance has completely collapsed. A few days back, job aspirants were sitting on the road and the police beat me up. When I went for Nabanna Abhiyan, I was attacked. The police are behaving in a completely partisan manner.TOI: So that is the larger fight for you?Abhaya’s mother: The main fight is to ensure that women get safety, security and respect. This is the fight of all women, not just mine.TOI: What is your message to women across the country?Abhaya’s mother: I am grateful to people from different parts of the world, especially women, who have raised their voices. My daughter’s incident had a global impact. During the first Reclaim the Night procession, I paid tribute to my daughter and said: I had known you for 30 years, but I did not know your strength.So many people die in so many places, but this incident became a great unifier. People from different castes, creeds and religions took part in the protest. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting Club stood in unison. And even then justice was denied. That is why I am going door to door for justice. This is not politics. This is blatant corruption.When TOI finally reached her home, a plaque there seemed to sum up, in a few stark words, the struggle her parents are still living through. It said, Abhayar ei mati te, dhorshokder thai nai (There is no space for rapists in the land of Abhaya). It is clear from the campaign trail that the BJP candidate is asking voters to see her candidacy not as a break from mourning, but as the next stage of a fight she believes is still unfinished.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJaishankar 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 & TradeManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions Rise123PhotostoriesMumbai 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

Vamsikrishna010 mins mins

Normally, electoral processions carry a sense of frenzy and festivity. In the dance of democracy, it is one of the rare moments when voters directly meet their candidates, while party workers drum up support with boisterous slogans. Following Abhaya’s mother, the RG Kar victim’s mother who is contesting on a BJP ticket from Panihati on…

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DC vs GT Live Score, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals chase third consecutive win as Gujarat Titans seek first points

DC vs GT Live Score, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals chase third consecutive win as Gujarat Titans seek first points

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Sameer Rizvi has emerged as the early breakout star for Delhi Capitals, turning difficult situations into match-winning performances. His impact has not just been about scoring runs, but about timing and control under pressure. In the opening game, Delhi were struggling at 26 for 4 in a modest chase. Rizvi stepped in and anchored the…

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Fertiliser support: Cabinet clears Rs 41,534 crore nutrient-based subsidy for Kharif 2026; DAP price kept unchanged

Fertiliser support: Cabinet clears Rs 41,534 crore nutrient-based subsidy for Kharif 2026; DAP price kept unchanged

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilisers for fixing the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Kharif season 2026 on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers, according to an official statement.The subsidy will be applicable for the Kharif season from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026. The tentative…

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Sabarimala case: SC says legislature’s decision not ‘last word’ on what is religious superstition

Sabarimala case: SC says legislature’s decision not ‘last word’ on what is religious superstition

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that it has the authority and jurisdiction to determine whether a practice within a religion is superstitious, pushing back against the Centre’s contention that such questions fall outside judicial scrutiny.The remarks came during the hearing of petitions linked to discrimination against women at places of worship, including the Sabarimala…

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Scientists discover a fungus in Western Australia that eats gold and want to take it into space | World News

Scientists discover a fungus in Western Australia that eats gold and want to take it into space | World News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

In Western Australia’s goldfields, researchers have discovered a strain of the fungus known as Fusarium oxysporum that has an actual ‘Midas touch.’ This organism has a pink colour and is capable of interacting with the mineral deposits below the ground, breaking them down into a liquid state, and ultimately growing solid gold crystals on the…

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NEW DELHI: Assam is all set to vote on Thursday (April 9) for the 126 assembly seats. The contest has unfolded as a direct fight between the chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi-led Congress in the state. Sarma is aiming for a rare third consecutive term for the BJP-led alliance, while the Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, is attempting to regroup and convert anti-incumbency discontent into its electoral gain.In a 126-member assembly, where 64 seats mark the majority line, the outcome is likely to be determined not by a single wave, but by several issues of the state.Follow complete coverage of assembly elections 2026Here are top 5 factors that could drive the May 4 verdict in Assam:1. The delimitation domino effectThe assembly elections this time is the first after the 2023 delimitation that redrew the constituency boundaries, based on the 2001 Census. The delimitation exercise has reshaped constituencies and reduced minority-dominated seats from about 35 to 23. This shift has strengthened indigenous and tribal influence, benefiting the BJP, which is banking on identity politics, welfare schemes, and governance delivery. In regions such as the Barak Valley, constituency mergers and reclassification have forced political heavyweights to shift ground, unsettling long-standing vote-bank calculations that had traditionally favoured the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front. This election, therefore, is not being fought on the old map, and that alone changes the arithmetic. 2. The ‘infiltration’ narrativeLayered over this is Assam’s enduring identity debate, now recalibrated for 2026. The twin issues of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) remain central, though no longer in the form of mass protests. Instead, they have been absorbed into competing political narratives. The BJP has framed its position as one of protecting indigenous identity and land, amplified by controversial eviction drives in districts such as Darrang and Nagaon. The opposition, on the other hand, has accused the government of weaponising these issues for polarisation. 3. The ‘orunodoi’ economy The BJP’s ‘double engine’ governance is heavily reliant on Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).Fighting against anti-incumbency, Himanta Sarma’s electoral strategy rests heavily on welfare delivery, particularly through its flagship Orunodoi scheme this time. With over 26 lakh women beneficiaries receiving monthly financial assistance, the scheme has helped create a loyal base of what the party calls ‘labharthi’ voters. Initiatives like Atmanirbhar Asom have further reinforced this outreach. On the other hand, Congress and Raijor Dal are focusing on the “cost” of these schemes, pointing to the state’s mounting debt and the “paper leak” scandals in recruitment as proof that welfare is being used to mask a lack of sustainable job creation.4. The tribal & tea garden swingBeyond the statewide narratives lie the decisive swing regions. The tea tribes, spread across nearly 35 to 40 constituencies, remain one of the most influential yet fluid voter blocs. Both sides have invested heavily in outreach here, but there is no guarantee of uniform consolidation. Similarly, the Bodoland Territorial Region has gained increased political weight after delimitation expanded its seats from 11 to 15. The BJP’s alliance with the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), combined with peace accords with Bodo groups, is being projected as a sign of stability. Yet, as in previous elections, shifts in these regions could tilt multiple seats in one direction. 5. Fragmented oppositionThe arithmetic of the “anti-BJP” vote will be the final dealbreaker. Presently, the anti-BJP space remains divided among the Congress, AIUDF, Raijor Dal and the Assam Jatiya Parishad. Will it eventually benefit Assam is yet to be seen. The vote fragmentation had worked in favour of the BJP in 2021 when the ruling alliance secured 75 seats. For Gaurav Gogoi, the election is as much about leadership as it is about arithmetic and presenting a united Congress front at a time when several party leaders left for the BJP ahead of elections. For Himanta Biswa Sarma, the strategy is to keep the opposition divided while consolidating gains across regions.As Assam votes tomorrow, this election in many ways may be seen as a referendum on whether the BJP’s blend of identity politics, welfare expansion and strong leadership has become the state’s dominant political model, or whether there is space for a revival of opposition-led politics. Assam decides tomorrow what matters to it the most. We will know the verdict on May 4. 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 MediaVideosJaishankar 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 & TradeManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions Rise123PhotostoriesMumbai 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

NEW DELHI: Assam is all set to vote on Thursday (April 9) for the 126 assembly seats. The contest has unfolded as a direct fight between the chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi-led Congress in the state. Sarma is aiming for a rare third consecutive term for the BJP-led alliance, while the Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, is attempting to regroup and convert anti-incumbency discontent into its electoral gain.In a 126-member assembly, where 64 seats mark the majority line, the outcome is likely to be determined not by a single wave, but by several issues of the state.Follow complete coverage of assembly elections 2026Here are top 5 factors that could drive the May 4 verdict in Assam:1. The delimitation domino effectThe assembly elections this time is the first after the 2023 delimitation that redrew the constituency boundaries, based on the 2001 Census. The delimitation exercise has reshaped constituencies and reduced minority-dominated seats from about 35 to 23. This shift has strengthened indigenous and tribal influence, benefiting the BJP, which is banking on identity politics, welfare schemes, and governance delivery. In regions such as the Barak Valley, constituency mergers and reclassification have forced political heavyweights to shift ground, unsettling long-standing vote-bank calculations that had traditionally favoured the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front. This election, therefore, is not being fought on the old map, and that alone changes the arithmetic. 2. The ‘infiltration’ narrativeLayered over this is Assam’s enduring identity debate, now recalibrated for 2026. The twin issues of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) remain central, though no longer in the form of mass protests. Instead, they have been absorbed into competing political narratives. The BJP has framed its position as one of protecting indigenous identity and land, amplified by controversial eviction drives in districts such as Darrang and Nagaon. The opposition, on the other hand, has accused the government of weaponising these issues for polarisation. 3. The ‘orunodoi’ economy The BJP’s ‘double engine’ governance is heavily reliant on Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).Fighting against anti-incumbency, Himanta Sarma’s electoral strategy rests heavily on welfare delivery, particularly through its flagship Orunodoi scheme this time. With over 26 lakh women beneficiaries receiving monthly financial assistance, the scheme has helped create a loyal base of what the party calls ‘labharthi’ voters. Initiatives like Atmanirbhar Asom have further reinforced this outreach. On the other hand, Congress and Raijor Dal are focusing on the “cost” of these schemes, pointing to the state’s mounting debt and the “paper leak” scandals in recruitment as proof that welfare is being used to mask a lack of sustainable job creation.4. The tribal & tea garden swingBeyond the statewide narratives lie the decisive swing regions. The tea tribes, spread across nearly 35 to 40 constituencies, remain one of the most influential yet fluid voter blocs. Both sides have invested heavily in outreach here, but there is no guarantee of uniform consolidation. Similarly, the Bodoland Territorial Region has gained increased political weight after delimitation expanded its seats from 11 to 15. The BJP’s alliance with the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), combined with peace accords with Bodo groups, is being projected as a sign of stability. Yet, as in previous elections, shifts in these regions could tilt multiple seats in one direction. 5. Fragmented oppositionThe arithmetic of the “anti-BJP” vote will be the final dealbreaker. Presently, the anti-BJP space remains divided among the Congress, AIUDF, Raijor Dal and the Assam Jatiya Parishad. Will it eventually benefit Assam is yet to be seen. The vote fragmentation had worked in favour of the BJP in 2021 when the ruling alliance secured 75 seats. For Gaurav Gogoi, the election is as much about leadership as it is about arithmetic and presenting a united Congress front at a time when several party leaders left for the BJP ahead of elections. For Himanta Biswa Sarma, the strategy is to keep the opposition divided while consolidating gains across regions.As Assam votes tomorrow, this election in many ways may be seen as a referendum on whether the BJP’s blend of identity politics, welfare expansion and strong leadership has become the state’s dominant political model, or whether there is space for a revival of opposition-led politics. Assam decides tomorrow what matters to it the most. We will know the verdict on May 4. 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 MediaVideosJaishankar 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 & TradeManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions Rise123PhotostoriesMumbai 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

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