May 2, 2026

. Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar on Friday said that any decision on making KC Venugopal the chief minister of Kerala, if the United Democratic Front (UDF) wins the Assembly elections, will depend on the party’s internal process and final approval by the high command.In an interview, Anwar, who is the MP from Bihar’s Katihar and a former Kerala in-charge, outlined how the Congress would determine its chief ministerial candidate.He asserted that even if Venugopal is interested in the role, he would need to follow the established procedure within the party.”If the legislative party authorises the high command for the final decision, then it will do so,” he said.Detailing the process, Anwar explained that the party high command would appoint an observer who would convene a meeting of the Congress legislative party. If a consensus emerges during discussions, the observer would communicate it to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), after which the leadership would take the final call.”The high command will take a final view,” he said.Addressing speculation over Venugopal, the Congress general secretary (organisation), becoming Chief Minister despite not contesting the Assembly polls, Anwar reiterated that interest alone would not suffice.”If the Congress general secretary (organisation) was interested, he will have to undergo the requisite process,” he said. “There is no confusion about it,” he added.Anwar also expressed confidence in the UDF’s prospects in Kerala, citing exit poll trends.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 MediaVideosNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks House123PhotostoriesMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

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. Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar on Friday said that any decision on making KC Venugopal the chief minister of Kerala, if the United Democratic Front (UDF) wins the Assembly elections, will depend on the party’s internal process and final approval by the high command.In an interview, Anwar, who is the MP from Bihar’s Katihar and a former Kerala in-charge, outlined how the Congress would determine its chief ministerial candidate.He asserted that even if Venugopal is interested in the role, he would need to follow the established procedure within the party.”If the legislative party authorises the high command for the final decision, then it will do so,” he said.Detailing the process, Anwar explained that the party high command would appoint an observer who would convene a meeting of the Congress legislative party. If a consensus emerges during discussions, the observer would communicate it to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), after which the leadership would take the final call.”The high command will take a final view,” he said.Addressing speculation over Venugopal, the Congress general secretary (organisation), becoming Chief Minister despite not contesting the Assembly polls, Anwar reiterated that interest alone would not suffice.”If the Congress general secretary (organisation) was interested, he will have to undergo the requisite process,” he said. “There is no confusion about it,” he added.Anwar also expressed confidence in the UDF’s prospects in Kerala, citing exit poll trends.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 MediaVideosNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks House123PhotostoriesMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap


‘High command will take final view’: Tariq Anwar on Kerala CM choice; claims Venugopal must ‘undergo process’

Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar on Friday said that any decision on making KC Venugopal the chief minister of Kerala, if the United Democratic Front (UDF) wins the Assembly elections, will depend on the party’s internal process and final approval by the high command.In an interview, Anwar, who is the MP from Bihar’s Katihar and a former Kerala in-charge, outlined how the Congress would determine its chief ministerial candidate.He asserted that even if Venugopal is interested in the role, he would need to follow the established procedure within the party.“If the legislative party authorises the high command for the final decision, then it will do so,” he said.Detailing the process, Anwar explained that the party high command would appoint an observer who would convene a meeting of the Congress legislative party. If a consensus emerges during discussions, the observer would communicate it to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), after which the leadership would take the final call.“The high command will take a final view,” he said.Addressing speculation over Venugopal, the Congress general secretary (organisation), becoming Chief Minister despite not contesting the Assembly polls, Anwar reiterated that interest alone would not suffice.“If the Congress general secretary (organisation) was interested, he will have to undergo the requisite process,” he said. “There is no confusion about it,” he added.Anwar also expressed confidence in the UDF’s prospects in Kerala, citing exit poll trends.



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Amit Shah in Ladakh LEH: Home minister Amit Shah on Friday led thousands of Buddhists to celebrate the return of the mortal remains of Lord Buddha to, what he called, the “living land of Dhamma”.With the holy bone relics returning to Ladakh after 1950, Leh city wore a festive look, and men, women and children — dressed in traditional attires — poured in from all over the UT into ‘Jivetsal’ to watch the auspicious ceremony, which was marked by prayers and rituals.Speaking at the inauguration of the fortnight-long exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, Shah said their return to Ladakh after 75 years is a “historic reunion”.The celebrations are expected to reinforce India’s credentials as the homeland of Lord Buddha and Buddhism — something which, while rooted in irrefutable facts, have been sought to be questioned by a few.In his speech, Shah recalled the Dalai Lama’s statement that Ladakh is not just a geographical entity but a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion. He also said the message propagated by Indian civilisation for thousands of years has become even more relevant today as it shows that “amid unrest and conflict” only peace and compassion can lead to solutions.The festivities in the city on Buddha Purnima offer a stark contrast from the violence that had broken out last year over the statehood issue.The 2569th Buddha Purnima is not only a “momentous religious occasion”, but also a “historic reunion”, as after so many years Tathagata Buddha through these relics has returned to Ladakh, Shah said.The minister said he agreed with Ladakh Buddhist Association President Tsering Dorjay Lakrook’s remarks that when in 1950 the relics would have come, very few people would have been able to pay their respects to the relics as that time the difficult terrain lacked accessibility and infrastructure.“However, today after 75 years when these relics have arrived I have full faith that Buddhists of Leh and Kargil, and people of other faiths too will be able to pay their respect,” Shah said.Over the years, the Piprahwa bone relics of Lord Buddha have been exhibited in several countries, including Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, drawing global attention and devotion.The relics — associated with Piprahwa stupa in Kapilvastu (in present-day UP), the homeland of the Sakya clan of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha — were excavated in 1898 by Willaim Claxton Peppe. The sacred relics serve as profound symbols of the Buddha’s living presence and his universal teachings.Dwelling on the theme of the exposition “Peace Beyond Borders” Ladakh LG VK Saxena said at a time when the world is surrounded by unrest and ideological conflicts, this event is most relevant and timely.LBA President Tsering Dorjay said the festive mood among people had been shaped by what they saw as signs in nature since the relics reached Leh like a rainbow was sighted above Spituk Monastery.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? 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Amit Shah in Ladakh LEH: Home minister Amit Shah on Friday led thousands of Buddhists to celebrate the return of the mortal remains of Lord Buddha to, what he called, the “living land of Dhamma”.With the holy bone relics returning to Ladakh after 1950, Leh city wore a festive look, and men, women and children — dressed in traditional attires — poured in from all over the UT into ‘Jivetsal’ to watch the auspicious ceremony, which was marked by prayers and rituals.Speaking at the inauguration of the fortnight-long exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, Shah said their return to Ladakh after 75 years is a “historic reunion”.The celebrations are expected to reinforce India’s credentials as the homeland of Lord Buddha and Buddhism — something which, while rooted in irrefutable facts, have been sought to be questioned by a few.In his speech, Shah recalled the Dalai Lama’s statement that Ladakh is not just a geographical entity but a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion. He also said the message propagated by Indian civilisation for thousands of years has become even more relevant today as it shows that “amid unrest and conflict” only peace and compassion can lead to solutions.The festivities in the city on Buddha Purnima offer a stark contrast from the violence that had broken out last year over the statehood issue.The 2569th Buddha Purnima is not only a “momentous religious occasion”, but also a “historic reunion”, as after so many years Tathagata Buddha through these relics has returned to Ladakh, Shah said.The minister said he agreed with Ladakh Buddhist Association President Tsering Dorjay Lakrook’s remarks that when in 1950 the relics would have come, very few people would have been able to pay their respects to the relics as that time the difficult terrain lacked accessibility and infrastructure.“However, today after 75 years when these relics have arrived I have full faith that Buddhists of Leh and Kargil, and people of other faiths too will be able to pay their respect,” Shah said.Over the years, the Piprahwa bone relics of Lord Buddha have been exhibited in several countries, including Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, drawing global attention and devotion.The relics — associated with Piprahwa stupa in Kapilvastu (in present-day UP), the homeland of the Sakya clan of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha — were excavated in 1898 by Willaim Claxton Peppe. The sacred relics serve as profound symbols of the Buddha’s living presence and his universal teachings.Dwelling on the theme of the exposition “Peace Beyond Borders” Ladakh LG VK Saxena said at a time when the world is surrounded by unrest and ideological conflicts, this event is most relevant and timely.LBA President Tsering Dorjay said the festive mood among people had been shaped by what they saw as signs in nature since the relics reached Leh like a rainbow was sighted above Spituk Monastery.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna 0
BENGALURU: Ravi K has assumed charge as chairman and managing director (CMD) of defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), becoming the company’s 22nd CMD. He takes over from DK Sunil, who superannuated on April 30.Ravi K was previously director (operations) at HAL, where he was involved in strategic planning. He has more than 30 years of experience in aerospace and defence, manufacturing and electronics.“During his earlier roles — which included executive director and general manager of the LCA Tejas division — he was associated with several major contracts, including the supply of 180 LCA Tejas aircraft to the Indian Air Force and 156 LCH Prachand helicopters to the Indian Army and Air Force,” HAL said in a statement.It added that he has also been credited with work toward operationalising the LCA Tejas fleet in the IAF and increasing indigenous content in the programme.“His tenure saw HAL expand into civil manufacturing and the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) segment. He also oversaw the outsourcing of fuselage assemblies to private sector partners to expand production capacity,” HAL said.Ravi is a mechanical engineering graduate from Malnad College of Engineering, Karnataka, and an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and IAS, Toulouse, France. He also serves as a nominee director on the board of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft Ltd.On assuming charge, he said his focus would be on making HAL competitive in the global aerospace and defence market, with an emphasis on innovation, AI adoption and operational efficiency.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

BENGALURU: Ravi K has assumed charge as chairman and managing director (CMD) of defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), becoming the company’s 22nd CMD. He takes over from DK Sunil, who superannuated on April 30.Ravi K was previously director (operations) at HAL, where he was involved in strategic planning. He has more than 30 years of experience in aerospace and defence, manufacturing and electronics.“During his earlier roles — which included executive director and general manager of the LCA Tejas division — he was associated with several major contracts, including the supply of 180 LCA Tejas aircraft to the Indian Air Force and 156 LCH Prachand helicopters to the Indian Army and Air Force,” HAL said in a statement.It added that he has also been credited with work toward operationalising the LCA Tejas fleet in the IAF and increasing indigenous content in the programme.“His tenure saw HAL expand into civil manufacturing and the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) segment. He also oversaw the outsourcing of fuselage assemblies to private sector partners to expand production capacity,” HAL said.Ravi is a mechanical engineering graduate from Malnad College of Engineering, Karnataka, and an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and IAS, Toulouse, France. He also serves as a nominee director on the board of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft Ltd.On assuming charge, he said his focus would be on making HAL competitive in the global aerospace and defence market, with an emphasis on innovation, AI adoption and operational efficiency.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, directing him to cooperate with the investigation, appear before police when summoned, and not tamper with evidence. The court said he cannot leave the country without prior permission and allowed the trial court to impose additional conditions, while clarifying that its observations will not affect the merits of the case and proceedings should continue independently.A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar set aside the Gauhati High Court order denying pre-arrest protection and said, “While adjudicating an application for anticipatory bail, a careful balance must be struck between the State’s interest in ensuring a fair investigation and the individual’s fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21.” The court added, “We are of the opinion that the allegations and counter-allegations, as apparent in the present case, prima facie, appear to be politically motivated and seemingly influenced by such rivalry, rather than disclosing a situation warranting custodial interrogation.”Granting relief, the top court directed that Khera be released on anticipatory bail in the event of arrest, subject to key conditions. He has been asked to cooperate with the investigation, appear before the police whenever summoned, and refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. The court also directed that he must not leave the country without prior permission of the competent court, while allowing the trial court to impose additional conditions if required.The Supreme Court clarified that its observations on documents and facts are limited to the bail stage and will not affect the merits of the case. It also said that the trial court should proceed independently without being influenced by its remarks.Top court flags ‘political rivalry’ in proceedingsThe bench emphasised that criminal law must be applied with caution, stating, “The criminal process must be applied with objectivity and circumspection so as to ensure that individual liberty is not imperilled by proceedings that may be coloured by political rivalry.”It also found fault with the Gauhati High Court’s reasoning, noting that it had incorrectly relied on provisions not invoked in the FIR and had shifted the burden onto the accused. “In our view, the observations made by the High Court in the order impugned are not based on a correct appreciation of all the material placed on record and appear to be erroneous,” the apex court said.The case stems from allegations that Khera, during press conferences on April 5 in Delhi and Guwahati, claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma held multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets. She denied the allegations and filed an FIR, accusing him of using fabricated documents.Appearing for Khera, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the case pertained to reputational harm and did not warrant custodial arrest, maintaining that Khera was willing to cooperate and was neither a flight risk nor likely to tamper with evidence.Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, argued that forged documents had been publicly circulated and that custodial interrogation was necessary to trace their origin and any wider conspiracy.The FIR, registered by the Assam Crime Branch, invokes provisions related to forgery, cheating, false statements and defamation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.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 MediaVideosTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks HouseIndia-Bangladesh Row: Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over Assam CM Himanta’s RemarksJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling Networks123PhotostoriesHow Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’5 fashion hacks all of us can steal from King Charles123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, directing him to cooperate with the investigation, appear before police when summoned, and not tamper with evidence. The court said he cannot leave the country without prior permission and allowed the trial court to impose additional conditions, while clarifying that its observations will not affect the merits of the case and proceedings should continue independently.A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar set aside the Gauhati High Court order denying pre-arrest protection and said, “While adjudicating an application for anticipatory bail, a careful balance must be struck between the State’s interest in ensuring a fair investigation and the individual’s fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21.” The court added, “We are of the opinion that the allegations and counter-allegations, as apparent in the present case, prima facie, appear to be politically motivated and seemingly influenced by such rivalry, rather than disclosing a situation warranting custodial interrogation.”Granting relief, the top court directed that Khera be released on anticipatory bail in the event of arrest, subject to key conditions. He has been asked to cooperate with the investigation, appear before the police whenever summoned, and refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. The court also directed that he must not leave the country without prior permission of the competent court, while allowing the trial court to impose additional conditions if required.The Supreme Court clarified that its observations on documents and facts are limited to the bail stage and will not affect the merits of the case. It also said that the trial court should proceed independently without being influenced by its remarks.Top court flags ‘political rivalry’ in proceedingsThe bench emphasised that criminal law must be applied with caution, stating, “The criminal process must be applied with objectivity and circumspection so as to ensure that individual liberty is not imperilled by proceedings that may be coloured by political rivalry.”It also found fault with the Gauhati High Court’s reasoning, noting that it had incorrectly relied on provisions not invoked in the FIR and had shifted the burden onto the accused. “In our view, the observations made by the High Court in the order impugned are not based on a correct appreciation of all the material placed on record and appear to be erroneous,” the apex court said.The case stems from allegations that Khera, during press conferences on April 5 in Delhi and Guwahati, claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma held multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets. She denied the allegations and filed an FIR, accusing him of using fabricated documents.Appearing for Khera, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the case pertained to reputational harm and did not warrant custodial arrest, maintaining that Khera was willing to cooperate and was neither a flight risk nor likely to tamper with evidence.Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, argued that forged documents had been publicly circulated and that custodial interrogation was necessary to trace their origin and any wider conspiracy.The FIR, registered by the Assam Crime Branch, invokes provisions related to forgery, cheating, false statements and defamation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.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 MediaVideosTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks HouseIndia-Bangladesh Row: Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over Assam CM Himanta’s RemarksJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth $14 Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling Networks123PhotostoriesHow Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’5 fashion hacks all of us can steal from King Charles123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

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AI-generated image use for representation NEW DELHI: The Banglar ‘manush’ have traditionally displayed a deep-rooted political loyalty, often rallying decisively behind a single political force and allowing it to govern for extended periods. Over nearly eight decades since independence, West Bengal’s political journey has not merely been a sequence of governments changing hands, but a story shaped in clear, dominant eras, each marked by ideological conviction and prolonged mandates.The 2026 assembly elections, however, have injected a new intensity into this legacy. What is unfolding is not just another electoral contest, but a high-stakes, high-voltage battle between long-incumbent chief minister Mamata Banerjee and a determined, aggressively expanding Bharatiya Janata Party brigade. Didi’s 15-year rule now faces its most formidable challenge yet. The BJP has mounted a relentless, ground-up campaign, deploying its top leadership and sharpening its attacks on the Trinamool Congress. The saffron party’s high command has gone so far as to assert that “the sun has set for TMC in Bengal.”But to understand the weight of BJP’s claim, the story of how Bengal’s political journey has evolved must be told.Congress era: Foundations of power and post-Partition rebuildingLike most states in newly independent India, Bengal’s early political leadership was shaped by the Congress. Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of the most important icons in the state’s history, became its first chief minister at a time when Bengal was reeling from the devastating effects of Partition in 1947.Bidhan Chandra’s leadership extended beyond routine governance. He played a crucial role in stabilising a fractured society and laid the foundations for modern Bengal’s administrative and infrastructural framework. Among his lasting contributions was the development of Salt Lake city, a planned township that symbolised forward-looking urbanisation.Kolkata, then Calcutta – was not just the state capital but also a political nerve centre for the Congress party. The city hosted several landmark sessions of the party across decades, becoming a stage for defining moments in India’s freedom struggle and political evolution. From the first singing of Vande Mataram to the articulation of Swaraj, Bengal remained at the heart of Congress.However, the Congress’s dominance gradually began to erode. Internal fractures, shifting political aspirations, and national-level upheavals weakened its grip. The emergence of the Bangla Congress marked the first serious rupture in its monopoly, introducing coalition politics and opening the door for alternative ideologies.The deaths of towering national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri further destabilised the party’s structure and also its influence. The 1967 elections, often described as a “political earthquake,” dealt a decisive blow to Congress supremacy in Bengal.The red era: Rise and consolidation of Left dominanceEven as Indira Gandhi strengthened her political authority at the national level, especially after the 1971 electoral victory and the India-Pakistan war, Bengal was moving in a different direction.The Congress continued to lose ground in the state, and its final chief minister to the date, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, came to represent the end of an era. The political vacuum was swiftly filled by the Left Front, which rose to power in 1977 on the back of strong grassroots mobilisation and ideological clarity.At the centre of this transformation was Jyoti Basu, a towering Marxist leader who would go on to become one of India’s longest-serving chief ministers. Under his leadership, Bengal witnessed a profound restructuring of its rural and administrative systems.Key initiatives such as Operation Barga redefined land relations by strengthening the rights of sharecroppers, while the institutionalisation of the Panchayati Raj system in 1978 decentralised governance and empowered local bodies. These reforms created a durable political base for the Left.The Left Front governed Bengal uninterrupted from 1977 to 2011, one of the longest continuous tenures for any democratically elected communist government in the world. By 2000, Basu stepped down due to health reasons, passing the baton to comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. While Bhattacharjee attempted to recalibrate the Left’s image with a focus on industrialisation, the ground realities had begun to shift. Discontent was brewing, and a new political force under Mamata Banerjee was gathering momentum.The Mamata moment: Disruption and dominanceMamata emerged as new strong leader in state.Emerging as a fierce and relentless challenger, Mamata dismantled the Left’s decades-long dominance in the 2011 assembly elections. Leading the Trinamool Congress, she secured a sweeping mandate of 184 seats and became Bengal’s first woman chief minister. Her victory marked not just a change in government, but a complete political reset. The Congress and the Left,once the principal forces in the state, were pushed to the margins. The BJP, despite having governed at the Centre earlier under Atal Bihari Vajpayee for nearly 6 years, remained an insignificant player in Bengal politics at the time.Mamata strengthened her grip further in 2016, returning to power with an even bigger mandate, crossing the 200-seat mark. At this stage, her dominance appeared unchallenged, with opposition forces fragmented and struggling to regain relevance.Her governance style, welfare outreach, and strong personal connect with voters ensured that the Trinamool Congress remained the central pole of Bengal politics.BJP’s surge: From fringe to formidable forceThe political equilibrium began to shift dramatically in 2021.The BJP launched an unprecedented campaign in Bengal, led by its stars Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, also considered as “Chanakya” for the saffron party. The scale, intensity, and resources deployed marked a new phase in the state’s electoral politics.While Didi retained power, the BJPs performance signalled a major breakthrough. Winning 77 seats in the 294-member Assembly, the party emerged as the principal opposition, leapfrogging boththe Congress and the Left.The BJP’s strong emergence, in fact, pushed Congress and Left to the farthest margins of insignificance.This rise was significant not just numerically, but symbolically. A party that once struggled to make electoral inroads in Bengal had now positioned itself as the primary challenger to the ruling establishment under TMC supremo Mamata.2026 showdown: Continuity or change?Now, as Bengal records one of its highest-ever voter turnouts and witnesses intense, high-decibel campaigning, the stakes have never been higher.Is the state signalling a shift? Has “the sun has set for TMC in Bengal,” as the BJP leadership claims?Also the traditional notion of high voter-turnout interpreted as an undercurrent against the incumbent.The contest has increasingly taken on a bipolar character, squeezing out other political players and turning the election into a direct face-off between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP.The BJP, buoyed by its 2021 gains, has upped the ante, fielding heavyweight candidates even in traditional TMC bastions like Bhowanipore and other constituencies in southern Bengal. As a clear messaging – no seat is being conceded without a fight.Several pollsters in their exit poll predictions have also given an edge to BJP over Mamata’s TMC. This might be the first signal of discomfort for Didi. The poll of polls predicted that TMC would no longer be single strong and leading force, as BJP taking over it. In 2021, Mamata faced her former aide and a BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram and suffered a rare personal defeat, even as she retained power across the state. This time, the dynamics appear more complex, with both sides locked in a strong contest from Bhowanipre.The elections have also seen a massive administrative exercise, including the special intensive revision process, criticised by Mamata but defended by the Election Commission, adding another layer of political tension.Will it continue its tradition of backing one dominant force for the long haul, or will it script a new chapter by embracing change?The answer lies with the Banglar ‘manush’.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks HouseIndia-Bangladesh Row: Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over Assam CM Himanta’s RemarksJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling Networks123PhotostoriesHow Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’5 fashion hacks all of us can steal from King CharlesUnderground shortcut: Delhi airport’s new subway to slash T2–T3 walking distance by 90%123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

AI-generated image use for representation NEW DELHI: The Banglar ‘manush’ have traditionally displayed a deep-rooted political loyalty, often rallying decisively behind a single political force and allowing it to govern for extended periods. Over nearly eight decades since independence, West Bengal’s political journey has not merely been a sequence of governments changing hands, but a story shaped in clear, dominant eras, each marked by ideological conviction and prolonged mandates.The 2026 assembly elections, however, have injected a new intensity into this legacy. What is unfolding is not just another electoral contest, but a high-stakes, high-voltage battle between long-incumbent chief minister Mamata Banerjee and a determined, aggressively expanding Bharatiya Janata Party brigade. Didi’s 15-year rule now faces its most formidable challenge yet. The BJP has mounted a relentless, ground-up campaign, deploying its top leadership and sharpening its attacks on the Trinamool Congress. The saffron party’s high command has gone so far as to assert that “the sun has set for TMC in Bengal.”But to understand the weight of BJP’s claim, the story of how Bengal’s political journey has evolved must be told.Congress era: Foundations of power and post-Partition rebuildingLike most states in newly independent India, Bengal’s early political leadership was shaped by the Congress. Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of the most important icons in the state’s history, became its first chief minister at a time when Bengal was reeling from the devastating effects of Partition in 1947.Bidhan Chandra’s leadership extended beyond routine governance. He played a crucial role in stabilising a fractured society and laid the foundations for modern Bengal’s administrative and infrastructural framework. Among his lasting contributions was the development of Salt Lake city, a planned township that symbolised forward-looking urbanisation.Kolkata, then Calcutta – was not just the state capital but also a political nerve centre for the Congress party. The city hosted several landmark sessions of the party across decades, becoming a stage for defining moments in India’s freedom struggle and political evolution. From the first singing of Vande Mataram to the articulation of Swaraj, Bengal remained at the heart of Congress.However, the Congress’s dominance gradually began to erode. Internal fractures, shifting political aspirations, and national-level upheavals weakened its grip. The emergence of the Bangla Congress marked the first serious rupture in its monopoly, introducing coalition politics and opening the door for alternative ideologies.The deaths of towering national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri further destabilised the party’s structure and also its influence. The 1967 elections, often described as a “political earthquake,” dealt a decisive blow to Congress supremacy in Bengal.The red era: Rise and consolidation of Left dominanceEven as Indira Gandhi strengthened her political authority at the national level, especially after the 1971 electoral victory and the India-Pakistan war, Bengal was moving in a different direction.The Congress continued to lose ground in the state, and its final chief minister to the date, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, came to represent the end of an era. The political vacuum was swiftly filled by the Left Front, which rose to power in 1977 on the back of strong grassroots mobilisation and ideological clarity.At the centre of this transformation was Jyoti Basu, a towering Marxist leader who would go on to become one of India’s longest-serving chief ministers. Under his leadership, Bengal witnessed a profound restructuring of its rural and administrative systems.Key initiatives such as Operation Barga redefined land relations by strengthening the rights of sharecroppers, while the institutionalisation of the Panchayati Raj system in 1978 decentralised governance and empowered local bodies. These reforms created a durable political base for the Left.The Left Front governed Bengal uninterrupted from 1977 to 2011, one of the longest continuous tenures for any democratically elected communist government in the world. By 2000, Basu stepped down due to health reasons, passing the baton to comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. While Bhattacharjee attempted to recalibrate the Left’s image with a focus on industrialisation, the ground realities had begun to shift. Discontent was brewing, and a new political force under Mamata Banerjee was gathering momentum.The Mamata moment: Disruption and dominanceMamata emerged as new strong leader in state.Emerging as a fierce and relentless challenger, Mamata dismantled the Left’s decades-long dominance in the 2011 assembly elections. Leading the Trinamool Congress, she secured a sweeping mandate of 184 seats and became Bengal’s first woman chief minister. Her victory marked not just a change in government, but a complete political reset. The Congress and the Left,once the principal forces in the state, were pushed to the margins. The BJP, despite having governed at the Centre earlier under Atal Bihari Vajpayee for nearly 6 years, remained an insignificant player in Bengal politics at the time.Mamata strengthened her grip further in 2016, returning to power with an even bigger mandate, crossing the 200-seat mark. At this stage, her dominance appeared unchallenged, with opposition forces fragmented and struggling to regain relevance.Her governance style, welfare outreach, and strong personal connect with voters ensured that the Trinamool Congress remained the central pole of Bengal politics.BJP’s surge: From fringe to formidable forceThe political equilibrium began to shift dramatically in 2021.The BJP launched an unprecedented campaign in Bengal, led by its stars Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, also considered as “Chanakya” for the saffron party. The scale, intensity, and resources deployed marked a new phase in the state’s electoral politics.While Didi retained power, the BJPs performance signalled a major breakthrough. Winning 77 seats in the 294-member Assembly, the party emerged as the principal opposition, leapfrogging boththe Congress and the Left.The BJP’s strong emergence, in fact, pushed Congress and Left to the farthest margins of insignificance.This rise was significant not just numerically, but symbolically. A party that once struggled to make electoral inroads in Bengal had now positioned itself as the primary challenger to the ruling establishment under TMC supremo Mamata.2026 showdown: Continuity or change?Now, as Bengal records one of its highest-ever voter turnouts and witnesses intense, high-decibel campaigning, the stakes have never been higher.Is the state signalling a shift? Has “the sun has set for TMC in Bengal,” as the BJP leadership claims?Also the traditional notion of high voter-turnout interpreted as an undercurrent against the incumbent.The contest has increasingly taken on a bipolar character, squeezing out other political players and turning the election into a direct face-off between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP.The BJP, buoyed by its 2021 gains, has upped the ante, fielding heavyweight candidates even in traditional TMC bastions like Bhowanipore and other constituencies in southern Bengal. As a clear messaging – no seat is being conceded without a fight.Several pollsters in their exit poll predictions have also given an edge to BJP over Mamata’s TMC. This might be the first signal of discomfort for Didi. The poll of polls predicted that TMC would no longer be single strong and leading force, as BJP taking over it. In 2021, Mamata faced her former aide and a BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram and suffered a rare personal defeat, even as she retained power across the state. This time, the dynamics appear more complex, with both sides locked in a strong contest from Bhowanipre.The elections have also seen a massive administrative exercise, including the special intensive revision process, criticised by Mamata but defended by the Election Commission, adding another layer of political tension.Will it continue its tradition of backing one dominant force for the long haul, or will it script a new chapter by embracing change?The answer lies with the Banglar ‘manush’.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks HouseIndia-Bangladesh Row: Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over Assam CM Himanta’s RemarksJabalpur Cruise Boat Capsize: 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue at Bargi Dam in Madhya PradeshChanakya Today Exit Poll: BJP Sweep In Bengal, DMK Ahead In TN, Assam Favours NDAUS Hands Back 657 Stolen Antiquities Worth $14 Million To India, Exposes Global Smuggling Networks123PhotostoriesHow Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reasonAnushka Sharma birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT like ‘NH10’, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, ‘Sultan’5 fashion hacks all of us can steal from King CharlesUnderground shortcut: Delhi airport’s new subway to slash T2–T3 walking distance by 90%123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

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