VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html The simple bathroom fix that can restore yellowed toilet seats | Scorpio Horoscope Today, April 9, 2026: Singles should avoid intense flirting that could confuse the other person Pawan Khera seeks bail from Telangana high court in Himanta Sarma case ‘Ketamine Queen’ Jasveen Sangha gets 15 years in prison, sold drugs to Matthew Perry before his overdose death ANI file photo KOLKATA: The Bhowanipore assembly constituency – the high-profile seat where Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is pitted against BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari – has seen its electorate shrink by nearly 25% following the SIR of the electoral roll.Of the total 51,004 deletions, 23.3% are Muslims and 76.7% are non-Muslims.Before the SIR process, Bhowanipore had 2,06,295 voters. In the first phase, 44,787 names were removed under categories such as absent, shifted, deceased, duplicate, or unmapped. A second round saw another 2,342 deletions, while 18 new voters were added. Around 14,154 voters were placed under adjudication, a source said.Sabar Institute researchers said their analysis of 15 supplementary lists showed 10,238 voters initially marked for adjudication were later reinstated, while 3,875 were deleted. “Among those deleted in supplementary lists, nearly 40% are Muslims,” one of them said.EC sources said around 3,500 names were deleted during the adjudication process. “Nearly 14,000 cases were marked for adjudication,” an official said.The institute’s analysis also showed 43% of non-Muslims were placed under adjudication. While 7.7% of Muslims were ultimately deleted from the final rolls, the figure for non-Muslims stood at 92%. Earlier data showed Muslims accounted for 22.7% of voters marked as ‘absent, shifted, dead/duplicate’, while their share among ‘unmapped’ voters was around 26%, in line with their population. However, in the ‘logical discrepancy’ category, their share rose to 52%.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Bilateral Trade Growing Towards $500 Bn Ambition’: Piyush Goyal At Launch Of India-US Trade PortalIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US123PhotostoriesHow to make Ranveer Brar-Style Biryani ka Masala at home5 interesting ways to use a sandwich maker beyond making sandwichesFrom ‘flying’ to surviving a year without food: 7 snake facts explained8 red snakes you won’t believe exist in the wildThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right now123Hot 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 NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date The banana peel trick that can give your leather shoes a quick shine | Leo Horoscope Today, April 9, 2026: Singles may attract attention, but choose someone who respects your time Indian-origin scientist Deep Jariwala secures prestigious Tennessee Governor’s Chair role bridging top university and national lab research Mike Vrabel: Who is Mike Vrabel’s wife Jennifer Vrabel? Everything about the woman he’s been married to for 27 years amid alleged affair with Dianna Russini | NFL News Government clears bills to amend quota law for women | India News ‘Ranveer Singh feels like a different person after Dhurandhar,’ reveals Manav Gohil, says, ‘Deepika Padukone is a wise woman’ Virgo Horoscope Today, April 9, 2026: A favourable time to boost savings Cut airport fees for domestic flights by 25% for 3 months: Government Ishowspeed Anime Series: YouTube star IShowSpeed lands dream anime project backed by One Piece live-action showrunner Sabarimala PIL was entertained in 2006, but would have been dismissed now: Supreme Court | India News Matthew Perry death case: ‘Ketamine Queen’ Jasveen Sangha gets 15 years in prison for selling drugs; ‘Friends’ star’s family reacts to sentencing Gemini Horoscope Today, April 9, 2026: Avoid investing in risky areas “I can’t keep her…”: Megan Thee Stallion opens up about the moment she realized she had to let go of her mother amid romance with Klay Thompson ‘She wanted to die, not be killed’: Canadian woman says 93-year-old mother nearly euthanised over one remark NEW DELHI: In the high-stakes battle for the Assam assembly elections, while poll promises, manifestos, alliance fine-tuning and campaigning will shape the outcome, a new political mapping of the state is also set to play a key role.While in most states the opposition has alleged that special intensive revision of electoral rolls is being used to cut into their vote base, in Assam the delimitation exercise has altered the political landscape without barring any voter. Watch Assam Elections 2026: Heavyweight Contests, Key Seats and High-Stakes Battles to Watch The delimitation exercise for Assam’s assembly and Lok Sabha seats was carried out in 2023. The number of seats remained 126 — unchanged since 1976 — but the new political map has altered their composition, reshaping the landscape for all major parties.The poll panel categorised districts into A, B and C based on population density, and relied on the 2001 Census instead of the 2011 Census.“A – Districts having population density less than 304 persons per sq. km.; B – Districts having population density between 304 to 372 persons per sq. km.; C – Districts having population density more than 372 persons per sq. km,” the ECI said in its methodology.For A category districts, seats were determined by deducting 10 per cent from the state average population, while for C category districts, the Election Commission added 10 per cent to the state average population while finalising seat allocation.Ahead of the process, the state cabinet merged districts, reducing their number and altering the administrative framework. The commission later froze new administrative units from January 1, 2023, effectively locking these changes for delimitation.Why it mattersDelimitation aimed to ensure equal representation. In Assam, the data shows some improvement, but significant gaps remain. In the pre-delimitation map, the gap between the smallest and largest constituencies had widened to 3.54 times.Under the post-delimitation voter rolls, this ratio has improved to 3.15. While this marks progress, one constituency still has more than three times the number of electors as another. The disparity is also visible at the district level. Based on population, Kokrajhar and Dhubri highlight the imbalance. Kokrajhar has roughly one seat per 1.77 lakh people, while Dhubri has one per 3.25 lakh. This effectively gives a voter in Kokrajhar significantly greater representation than one in Dhubri.According to chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the exercise has made indigenous communities decisive voters in 103 of the 126 seats.The new political map has also dismantled several party bastions, forcing all major players to recalibrate their strategies.Reserved seats for SC and STThe number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has increased to 9 and 19 from 8 and 16 earlier.The Bodoland Territorial Region has gained seats, rising from 11 to 15, while West Karbi Anglong has gained one. Seat losses are concentrated in densely populated districts, many with Muslim majorities, with Barpeta dropping from eight to six seats.The Barak Valley’s tally has reduced from 15 to 13, with Karimganj and Hailakandi losing one seat each.Three constituencies with a history of electing Muslim legislators have been reclassified. Goalpara West is now reserved for Scheduled Tribes, while Barpeta and Naoboicha are reserved for Scheduled Castes. The reconfiguration has diluted pockets where Bangladesh-origin immigrant Muslims were earlier decisive voters. As a result, Muslim-dominated constituencies have declined from around 35 to 24 — areas where AIUDF and the Congress were traditionally strong.The state has also long faced the issue of Muslim infiltration from Bangladesh, with many having had their citizenship regularised under the Assam Accord of 1985, while their original identity remains entrenched.Additionally, delimitation has diluted several constituencies where Bangladesh-origin immigrant Muslims were previously decisive voters, reducing the number of seats where parties such as the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Congress traditionally held sway.Muslims constitute about 37% of Assam’s 2.49 crore voters. In the outgoing assembly, there are 30 Muslim legislators — 16 from the Congress and 14 from the AIUDF.Who benefits from thisThe BJP-led government’s drives to evict encroachers from forest and government land — largely Bangladesh-origin Muslims — along with land pattas granted to indigenous landless families and descendants of tea garden workers brought from the Chota Nagpur plateau during the British era, have positioned chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as a strong leader projecting himself as a protector of Assamese identity — ‘jati’, ‘mati’, ‘bheti’.Addressing rallies in Patharkandi, Hailakandi and Silchar on the last day of campaigning for 13 assembly constituencies going to the polls on April 9, Shah cast the election as a decisive contest over illegal immigration.Alongside this, Sarma has taken a tough stance against “Miya Muslims” and targeted the community ahead of the polls, reinforcing what has remained the BJP’s core poll plank since 2016. During the campaigning, BJP stalwarts like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah have emphasised eliminating infiltration from the region in the next five years.It has also accused Congress of settling “ghuspetias” in Assam for political benefit and said the party’s opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, along with its role in introducing the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983, showed its intent to shield illegal immigrants.For the Congress, delimitation has emerged as a major challenge. Its traditional bases have been fragmented, forcing it into alliances with regional parties. While it remains the principal opposition, its ability to consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment has weakened.This has pushed the Congress to stitch together a mega alliance of regional parties — Assam Jatiya Parishad, All Party Hill Leaders Conference, CPM and CPI(ML). While it remains the principal opposition, its ability to consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment appears weakened.Amid the BJP’s identity push, the AIUDF, led by Badruddin Ajmal, faces the sharpest impact. Its strongholds in Muslim-dominated areas have been diluted, leaving it with fewer winnable seats. The party’s minority-centric strategy appears to be losing traction in constituencies now dominated by indigenous voters.The last delimitation in Assam was conducted in 1976, based on the 1971 Census. For nearly five decades, the state’s political geography remained unchanged despite shifts in demographics, migration and population.The upcoming elections are therefore not just a contest for power, but a turning point in Assam’s political trajectory — the first major realignment of constituencies in 50 years, reshaping influence and redefining political stakes.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His work tracks elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Bilateral Trade Growing Towards $500 Bn Ambition’: Piyush Goyal At Launch Of India-US Trade PortalIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US123PhotostoriesHow to make Ranveer Brar-Style Biryani ka Masala at home5 interesting ways to use a sandwich maker beyond making sandwichesFrom ‘flying’ to surviving a year without food: 7 snake facts explained8 red snakes you won’t believe exist in the wildThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right now123Hot 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 NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date Ram Gopal Varma recalls Sunny Leone’s ‘dignified’ response to a bad experience, on working with Mia Malkova: ‘People assume excess’ Cancer Horoscope Today, April 9, 2026: If you’re single, you may notice someone’s sincerity in a group setting Elon Musk amends lawsuit against OpenAI, now wants CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman to … Athena Strand: Christmas gift horror: Former FedEx driver pleads guilty to killing 7-year-old Athena Strand in Texas (Photo: ANI) NEW DELHI: Voting for the high-stakes 126-member Assam assembly elections will be held on Thursday, April 9, with most constituencies set to witness a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA and the opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress.The Bharatiya Janata Party is aiming for a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress is seeking to regain control of the state it lost in 2016.Polling will take place from 7 am to 5 pm across 31,490 polling stations spread over 35 districts. A total of around 2.50 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 1.25 crore women and 318 voters from the third gender.With this election being the first state assembly polls after the 2023 delimitation exercise, across 126 constituencies, the redrawn boundaries have reshaped the state’s political landscape, particularly for the Muslim voters of Bangladesh origin, whose decisive influence has shrunk from 31 to 22 seats.Here are the list of constituencies going to vote on April 9:PC No.Parliamentary ConstituencyAssembly Constituencies1Kokrajhar (ST)1 Gossaigaon; 2 Dotma (ST); 3 Kokrajhar (ST); 4 Baokhungri; 5 Parbatjhora; 19 Sidli Chirang (ST); 20 Bijni; 41 Manas; 42 Baksa (ST)2Dhubri6 Golakganj; 7 Gauripur; 8 Dhubri; 9 Birsing-Jarua; 10 Bilasipara; 11 Mankachar; 12 Jaleswar; 14 Goalpara East; 17 Srijangram; 22 Mandia; 23 Chenga3Barpeta16 Abhayapuri; 18 Bongaigaon; 21 Bhawanipur-Sorbhog; 24 Barpeta (SC); 25 Pakabetbari; 26 Bajali; 30 Hajo-Sualkuchi (SC); 38 Barkhetri; 39 Nalbari; 40 Tihu4Darrang–Udalguri31 Rangia; 32 Kamalpur; 43 Tamulpur (ST); 44 Goreswar; 45 Bhergaon; 46 Udalguri (ST); 47 Mazbat; 48 Tangla; 49 Sipajhar; 50 Mangaldai; 51 Dalgaon5Guwahati13 Goalpara West (ST); 15 Dudhnoi (ST); 27 Chamaria; 28 Boko-Chaygaon (ST); 29 Palasbari; 33 Dispur; 34 Dimoria (SC); 35 New Guwahati; 36 Guwahati Central; 37 Jalukbari6Diphu (ST)108 Bokajan (ST); 109 Howraghat (ST); 110 Diphu (ST); 111 Rongkhang (ST); 112 Amri (ST); 113 Haflong (ST)7Karimganj121 Hailakandi; 122 Algapur-Katlicherra; 123 Karimganj North; 124 Karimganj South; 125 Patharkandi; 126 Ram Krishna Nagar (SC)8Silchar (SC)114 Lakhipur; 115 Udharbond; 116 Katigorah; 117 Borkhola; 118 Silchar; 119 Sonai; 120 Dholai (SC)9Nagaon52 Jagiroad (SC); 53 Laharighat; 54 Morigaon; 55 Dhing; 56 Rupahihat; 58 Samaguri; 60 Nagaon-Batadraba; 61 Raha (SC)10Kaziranga57 Kaliabor; 59 Barhampur; 62 Binnakandi; 63 Hojai; 64 Lumding; 103 Golaghat; 104 Dergaon; 105 Bokakhat; 106 Khumtai; 107 Sarupathar11Sonitpur65 Dhekiajuli; 66 Barchalla; 67 Tezpur; 68 Rangapara; 69 Naduar; 70 Biswanath; 71 Behali (SC); 72 Gohpur; 73 Bihpuria12Lakhimpur74 Rongonadi; 75 Nowboicha (SC); 76 Lakhimpur; 77 Dhakuakhana (ST); 78 Dhemaji (ST); 79 Sissiborgaon; 80 Jonai (ST); 81 Sadiya; 82 Doom Dooma13Dibrugarh83 Margherita; 84 Digboi; 85 Makum; 86 Tinsukia; 87 Chabua-Lahowal; 88 Dibrugarh; 89 Khowang; 90 Duliajan; 91 Tingkhong; 92 Naharkatia14Jorhat93 Sonari; 94 Mahmora; 95 Demow; 96 Sibsagar; 97 Nazira; 98 Majuli (ST); 99 Teok; 100 Jorhat; 101 Mariani; 102 TitaborAmong political parties, the Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, followed by the BJP with 90. The All India United Democratic Front has put up 30 candidates, while NDA allies Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front are contesting 26 and 11 seats, respectively.Within the opposition bloc, Raijor Dal is contesting 13 seats, Assam Jatiya Parishad 10, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) 3, and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference 2 seats.Other parties in the fray include the Aam Aadmi Party (18 seats), United People’s Party Liberal (18), All India Trinamool Congress (22), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (16), along with 258 independent candidates.The electorate includes 6.42 lakh first-time voters, 2.50 lakh voters aged 80, and above including 2,466 centenarians and 2.05 lakh persons with disabilities, reflecting the scale and diversity of the democratic exercise.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 MediaVideosIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US‘Hormuz Disruptions Could Hit Growth’: RBI Governor Malhotra Flags Oil, Inflation Risks After MPCJaishankar To Visit UAE, Signals India’s Strategic Push After US, Iran Strike Ceasefire In West AsiaIndia Welcomes US-Iran Peace Push But Warns Against Further Disruption In Hormuz Supply Chain RouteFour Killed in Fresh Manipur Violence After Months of Calm; Probe Handed to NIACeasefire No Guarantee: Indian Embassy In Tehran Issues Urgent Exit Advisory For Citizens In Iran123PhotostoriesBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right nowFrom ‘Ramayana’, ‘Cocktail 2’ to ‘Toxic’: A complete look at 2026’s biggest upcoming movies5 quiet laws of social power that make you instantly more respectedAs Ranbir Kapoor takes on dual roles in ‘Ramayana’, a look at Bollywood’s finest double role performancesMumbai 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 luxury123Hot 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 NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date Vikrant Massey reveals he took a break from movies for his son Vardaan out of paternal guilt: ‘Didn’t know it will become national news’ Los Angeles Dodgers legend Davey Lopes passes away at 80 after Parkinson’s disease fight | MLB News Michigan man Daniyal Khan charged with kidnapping 12-year-old girl; child found using Amber Alert ANI file photo The Pakistan-brokered temporary ceasefire – after 6 weeks of a brutal war in the West Asia region – was welcomed by India in an official statement in which the government also expressed hope that the truce will lead to a lasting peace in the region. Stressing that the conflict had already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks, the Indian government said it expected unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce to prevail through the Strait of Hormuz. “As we have continuously advocated earlier, deescalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict,” said the MEA in a carefully worded statement focused more on the outcome than the means used to achieve it. Going a step further, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed hope that developments in West Asia will encourage peace efforts in Ukraine too.“India has always been in favour of peace. We welcome all steps that lead to peace and stability,” he said. There was no formal acknowledgement of the key intermediary role played by Pakistan, which was credited by both President Donald Trump and Iran for the breakthrough. However, official sources said India sees the development, which entails a commitment by Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz during the 2-week ceasefire, as a potential catalyst for progress in negotiations for long-term peace in the region. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Islamabad will host talks between the US and Iran, beginning April 10. Apart from ensuring the safety and security of the 10-million strong Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, India’s foremost priority in the past several weeks had been to secure safe passage for its LPG tankers through the key energy route to prevent any supply disruptions. India, however, will be wary of any negative fallout on its own downgraded ties with Pakistan from greater international legitimacy for Islamabad that the ceasefire could lead to. India maintains that Pakistan is the fountainhead of global terrorism and refuses to engage with Islamabad till it takes tangible and irreversible action against groups responsible for cross-border terrorism. Trump also hinted after the ceasefire that China too might have played a role in the peace negotiations by urging Tehran to engage with the US. For India, however, despite its close ties with both sides and its status as a vital stakeholder in the Gulf, active mediation was not an option in line with its decades-old disdain for third-party mediation, especially in ties with Islamabad in which it has always emphasised bilateralism. External affairs minister S Jaishankar touched upon this at an all-party meeting last month where he said that India, unlike Pakistan, does not have a history of acting as a go-between between countries. He mentioned Pakistan’s role in facilitating clandestine backchannel talks between the US and China in 1971.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Bilateral Trade Growing Towards $500 Bn Ambition’: Piyush Goyal At Launch Of India-US Trade PortalIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US123PhotostoriesHow to make Ranveer Brar-Style Biryani ka Masala at home5 interesting ways to use a sandwich maker beyond making sandwichesFrom ‘flying’ to surviving a year without food: 7 snake facts explained8 red snakes you won’t believe exist in the wildThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right now123Hot 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 NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date Mukesh Khanna calls Samay Raina ‘kutte ki dum’ in scathing attack over India’s Got Latent row: ‘Uska munh kaala kar gadhe par…’ Taurus Horoscope Today, April 9, 2026: Work will test your patience Vice president J D Vance will lead US team for truce talks with Iran in Pakistan: White House Quote of the day by Marie Curie: “Humanity also needs dreamers, for whom the disinterested development of an enterprise is so captivating that it becomes impossible for them to devote their care to their own material profit.” Representative image NEW DELHI: A day before polling in Assam, Congress candidate for the Udalguri seat, Suren Daimari, on Wednesday announced he has quit the party and “surrendered” his candidature. The Congress, however, said that he was yet to submit his resignation letter to the party.A senior election commission official, when contacted, said Daimari’s name will remain in the EVM, and people can still vote for him since the deadline for withdrawing nomination has long passed.Congress Spokesperson Bedabrata Bora told PTI that Daimari has announced his decision in front of the media and has not yet submitted his resignation letter to the party.Earlier in the day, Daimari told reporters that he has resigned from the Congress and “surrendered” his candidature. “There is no benefit of being in the Congress. It has betrayed me,” he said.”The Congress only works for the Miyas, but they do nothing for the Scheduled Tribes like me,” Daimari alleged.He claimed that after nominating him from the Udalguri seat, the Congress offered no support in campaigning.”I called up the party leadership repeatedly, but they did not even receive my call. I am hurt because they did not help me at all. The district Congress committee did not help me,” Daimari said.After waiting for a long time for a response, and when it did not come, the decision was taken to leave the party, he added.When asked why he resigned just a day before the polling, Daimari said: “I have not betrayed the party, the party has betrayed me.” In the situation arising from Daimari’s announcement, the senior poll panel official clarified that the deadline for withdrawing nominations had long passed and candidates’ names had already been loaded onto the EVMs.”In fact, the polling parties have left for their polling stations. So, there is no question of withdrawing one’s name now from the contest,” he added.Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held on April 9, while the results will be declared on May 4. Four candidates are in the fray for the Udalguri Assembly seat.Apart from Daimari, BJP ally BPF’s Rihon Daimari, UPPL’s Dipen Boro and Voters Party International’s Unike Basumatary are contesting in the seat.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Bilateral Trade Growing Towards $500 Bn Ambition’: Piyush Goyal At Launch Of India-US Trade PortalIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US123PhotostoriesHow to make Ranveer Brar-Style Biryani ka Masala at home5 interesting ways to use a sandwich maker beyond making sandwichesFrom ‘flying’ to surviving a year without food: 7 snake facts explained8 red snakes you won’t believe exist in the wildThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right now123Hot 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 NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date Aries Horoscope Today, April 9, 2026: Pause before replying at home, one calm sentence can prevent bitterness From obliterate to ceasefire: How Trump’s Iran war strategy shifted hour by hour Nyc Nurse: ‘Baby Killers!’:nurse fired after viral antisemitic Times Square rant at Israeli tourists – Watch video 2 Pakistan LeT ultras, Jammu & Kashmir aide remanded in 10-day police custody | India News IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans edge thriller by one run as David Miller’s call costs Delhi Capitals dearly Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says AI will kill more than 50% of jobs right now; but inside, one of his own top executives says the AI company can’t… Candace Owens: “People deserve answers”: Candace Owens questions Erika Kirk CEO role as Charlie Kirk audio dispute raises serious doubts online Image: PTI JAMMU: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway (NH-44) remained suspended for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, even as fresh landslides continued amid heavy rains in Ramban district, officials said.Due to recent rainfall, NH-44 — the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country — was blocked by multiple landslides early Monday. Though it reopened partially on Tuesday morning for a brief period, two major landslides forced its closure again.According to a traffic advisory posted on X at 3pm Wednesday, the highway was still blocked, and clearance operations were underway at Shalgarhi and Banihal. “People are advised not to travel on NH-44 until the road is fully restored,” it stated.Officials said over 400 vehicles were stranded, while intermittent rains continued to hamper restoration efforts. Traffic authorities urged citizens to ignore rumours and check road conditions only on the official social media handles and contact numbers.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Bilateral Trade Growing Towards $500 Bn Ambition’: Piyush Goyal At Launch Of India-US Trade PortalIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US123PhotostoriesHow to make Ranveer Brar-Style Biryani ka Masala at home5 interesting ways to use a sandwich maker beyond making sandwichesFrom ‘flying’ to surviving a year without food: 7 snake facts explained8 red snakes you won’t believe exist in the wildThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right now123Hot 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 NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date ‘I thought we could win’: Gill on Miller refusing the penultimate single | Cricket News Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for April 9, 2026 Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini’s drama takes a new turn as her past alleged affair with Redskins’ GM Scot McCloughan resurfaces Melania Trump will get to use Kristi Noem’s $70 million jet: Report Representative image Puducherry is all set to go to the polls on Thursday, April 9, with voting scheduled from 7 AM to 6 PM across 1,099 polling stations in the Union Territory and its enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Over 9.5 lakh voters will decide the fate of 294 candidates contesting 30 Assembly seats. Special arrangements have been made for first-time voters, senior citizens, and differently-abled citizens, including volunteers, wheelchairs, Braille ballots, and assistance through the Saksham mobile application.Security and monitoringThe Election Commission has deployed drone surveillance to monitor electoral malpractice, which has already led to the seizure of Rs 77.25 lakh in cash and Rs 68.5 lakh in liquor allegedly intended to influence voters. Security deployment includes 4,836 government personnel, 2,791 police staff, 173 micro-observers, and 2,198 student volunteers. Special polling stations include 30 managed entirely by women, 15 by young officers, and two entirely by persons with disabilities. Watch Puducherry Elections 2026: TVK To Contest Solo, BJP and AINRC Alliance Finalises Seat-Sharing All stations are equipped with seating, drinking water, toilets, ramps, signage, and webcasting facilities to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process.Key contestants and alliancesThe elections will witness a fierce battle between the ruling NDA alliance, comprising NR Congress, BJP, AIADMK, and LJK, and the opposition Congress-DMK bloc. Chief minister N Rangasamy, leading the AINRC, is contesting from Thattanchavady and Mangalam, while actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as a significant third force, introducing unpredictability in several constituencies. Other parties, including CPI, CPI(M), and Naam Tamizhar Katchi, are also fielding candidates.Also read: Full candidate list for Puducherry pollsMajor issues shaping pollsOne of the central issues is Puducherry’s long-standing demand for full statehood, with the ruling NDA claiming alignment with the Centre ensures smoother governance. The opposition argues that administrative friction with the Lieutenant Governor has limited the Union Territory’s autonomy, making this election a de facto referendum on “lost powers.” Economic concerns, including rising living costs, unemployment, and the proposed privatisation of the electricity department, are also front and centre. The ruling alliance is relying on welfare schemes and subsidies to retain voter trust, while the opposition is highlighting economic challenges and the need for better job opportunities. The entry of TVK has made the contest more fragmented, with vote-splitting potentially decisive in several close-fought constituencies.What’s at stakeVoters across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam will determine whether the NDA retains its “double engine” governance or whether the opposition bloc and new entrants like TVK reshape the Union Territory’s political landscape. With polling set for April 9 and counting scheduled for May 4, the outcome will signal the future political direction of the region and could set a precedent for how emerging third parties influence small but strategic assemblies.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 MediaVideosIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US‘Hormuz Disruptions Could Hit Growth’: RBI Governor Malhotra Flags Oil, Inflation Risks After MPC123Photostories8 red snakes you won’t believe exist in the wildThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right nowFrom ‘Ramayana’, ‘Cocktail 2’ to ‘Toxic’: A complete look at 2026’s biggest upcoming moviesAs Ranbir Kapoor takes on dual roles in ‘Ramayana’, a look at Bollywood’s finest double role performancesMumbai Metro crosses 100km, overtakes Bengaluru to become India’s second-largest network after Delhi-NCR123Hot 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 NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date India-US trade push: Piyush Goyal urges firms to use facilitation portal Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge faces legal trouble as Trimurti Films sues Aditya Dhar’s production house over use of Oye Oye song US desperate for ceasefire? 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