VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html New Delhi: A spouse being in an extramarital relationship cannot be a ground to prosecute the partner if he/she commits suicide due to strain in the relationship, SC Thursday said, adding that abetment to suicide requires a positive act of instigation.A bench of Justices K V Viswanathan and Atul Chandurkar said that to sustain a charge under Section 306 of the penal code, it must be shown the accused contributed to the suicide through a direct or indirect act, with intent. Abetment requires an active act which leaves the deceased with no other option but to take their life.Quashing the case against a man allegedly in a relationship with the deceased’s wife, SC said even if illicit relations are assumed, the mens rea to abet suicide was absent. “There is no allegation that appellant had instigated him to commit suicide or aided any act or illegal omission to bring about the suicide,” bench said.The top court set aside a Chhattisgarh HC order allowing trial on the ground that the deceased was upset with his wife’s alleged relationship. It rejected the prosecution’s plea that humiliation in the presence of her partner amounted to abetment.The relief, however, is only for the man, as the deceased’s wife, also an accused, did not challenge the trial against her. “There ought to be some material to indicate a positive act of instigation,” SC said, adding that such instigation must be proximate to the act of suicide to establish a clear nexus.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods US cos wary of Trump’s fresh tariff plan under 301 ‘Street Fighter’ Trailer: Vidyut Jammwal makes Hollywood debut as Dhalsim in the Noah Centineo starrer | English Movie News Buy or sell: Stock recommendation by brokers for April 17, 2026 Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day truce: Donald Trump At Tekhali Bridge, the spot synonymous with the 2007 land acquisition movement that led to 14 deaths, and an entry point to Nandigram — it’s hard to miss the sea of saffron. On many flags, the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” is written prominently; on others, the Ram Temple is featured.Amidst these saffron flags are some bright yellow ones, too, bearing the slogan “Joy Bangla”.Yet, there are no BJP or Trinamool Congress flags anywhere. Up ahead, whether it is Reyapara, Sonachura, or Mohammadpur, the picture is the same. Identity politics has arrived in Nandigram.“You can blindfold me, but I would still know Nandigram like the back of my hand,” says Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP nominee from the seat. “The new entrants might need to place their CVs here, not me. I am the same Suvendu standing here in 2026 that stood with the residents of Nandigram in 2004,” adds Adhikari, who defeated chief minister Mamata Banerjee here in 2021.When TOI caught up with him, Adhikari had just completed an election meeting at Binandapur in Nandigram-I, convened at the Manasa Mandir grounds, a little more than 5km from the Nandigram bus stand.The politics of religious identity is hard to miss. “Sanatanis will trounce Adharma,” says Bapi Das, a local. “Adhikari is an icon here,” he adds. “He made Nandigram what it is today. He gifted Nandigram to CM Banerjee in 2007, and he knows how to take it back, too.”Adhikari had reminded those attending the meeting that while he secures barely two votes from the Mohammadpur Madrasah booth (where Muslims are a majority), he gets around 400 from the Hindu-majority local high school booth, with the opposition securing another 250-odd votes. “When will you learn to unite? Think, practice thinking,” Adhikari told the crowd.Adhikari claims it is his “inclusivity” that provides him with confidence.“Hindus are not the only ones targeted by the Trinamool,” he says with conviction. “Several Muslims have also suffered. I am the first person on the spot when anyone is attacked by Trinamool goons. I can name people from the minority community whom I have helped. That is the reason they will vote for the CM but come to me for help. There is a josh among workers here. They know that even if they go to jail, their families are safe. Suvendu is there for them. They have asked me to concentrate on Bhowanipore and defeat Mamata Banerjee there again. They have assured me that they will take care of Nandigram on my behalf,” Adhikari asserts.He, however, is leaving nothing to chance. He has visited each of the 17 anchals in his constituency almost every evening despite travelling extensively across the state, projecting the image of being “the boy next door”.Adhikari’s opponent from the Trinamool Congress, 46-year-old Pabitra Kar, is following a similar pattern.Kar is no pushover. A political turncoat himself, he has deep links with multiple Hindu organisations such as Hindu Samhati and Sanatani Sena. The TMC nominee is a former Adhikari confidant, who knows Adhikari’s organisational setup all too well. In 2021, when CM Banerjee was contesting here, many credited Kar with securing a 3,500-plus lead for Adhikari in Boyal I and II, which clinched his narrow victory.Kar promises development, which, he insists, has eluded Nandigram, while pulling no punches against Adhikari. “All Nandigram has seen in the past is a set of empty assurances,” he says. “It’s time I brought real development. If Adhikari is the heartbeat of Nandigram, why does he resort to intimidation and threats in each election? My only job is to reach out to every person. This cycle of intimidation must stop.”Political observers say that in the closely fought poll battle in Nandigram, the delicate balance of win and loss lies in different demographic segments. This becomes important after SIR, which saw 12,500 Muslim voters struck off the rolls. Alleged open threats to migrant workers — by Adhikari himself — have only led to further discomfort among Muslims.Kar has been maintaining a relatively silent — but steady — grassroots campaign. Trinamool appears to be focusing on strengthening his local connections and organisational support.According to an interpretation by the research organisation Sabar Institute, although Muslims constitute only 25% of Nandigram’s total population, nearly 95.5% of the voters deleted from the supplementary list belong to the minority community.“My neighbour’s name is missing, and I am still unsure whether I will be allowed to vote,” says Rubina Bibi, a resident of Mohammadpur.Most voters said they want to go beyond the rhetoric of politics. “We have a railway station, but no rail line,” alleged Tarun Das, a Reyapara resident. “There is still no direct connectivity to Haldia because we have no bridge over the Haldi river. There is no meaningful employment even in Haldia.”Gokulnagar resident Nur Ali says that Nandigram should no longer be in the news only for its politics. “It is difficult for me to keep track of today’s youth. They are in the BJP today, and in TMC the next day. There is a cycle of threats, clout, and money power,” says Swadesh Jana, a trader from Tangua Bazar.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123Photostories8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods As IPOs lose steam, investors cash in on secondary deals Singer D4vd is arrested on suspicion of MURDER of Celeste Rivas Hernandez after decomposing body of teen found in his car Stop forcing it! The simple cleaning hack for stubborn kitchen cabinets | 2 Pakistani X handles incited Noida labour unrest, say police; 13 FIRs registered, 62 in custody Government has turned ‘nari’ into ‘nara’: Akhilesh Yadav | India News 0 wickets in 5 matches! What’s really going wrong with Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2026? – Explained | Cricket News Over 80 phones see average 15% price hikes Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ leak: Three more arrested by Chennai Cyber Crime police; Freelance editor main accused ‘If deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go’: Trump hints at Pakistan visit amid truce talks with Iran Trump: May go to Pakistan if deal with Iran clinched Public perception seems to sway remission call: Delhi high court to Mattoo convict | India News IPL 2026 | ‘I think my catch’: Shreyas Iyer sums up Mumbai Indians’ collapse in one line Government, auto industry agree on CAFE 3 fuel efficiency norms ‘Second Case of Seetharam’ OTT release: When and where to stream Vijay Raghavendra’s Kannada crime thriller | Kannada Movie News Why your pantry staples are spoiling faster than you think | ‘We are not leaving’: Netanyahu says Israeli forces will hold positions in Lebanon as 10-day ceasefire begins New Delhi: Observing that the discharge of an accused in a criminal case stands on a “better footing” than acquittal, the Supreme Court has held no disciplinary or administrative action can be initiated against a discharged person.Busting the myth that an accused, unless he is acquitted, carries the label of being accused, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and K V Viswanathan said that such an understanding of law is fallacious. “It is not the law that an accused, unless he is acquitted, must still carry the label on his forehead that he is accused of a criminal offence. Once an accused has been discharged, he is entitled to avail of all benefits that are otherwise available to an acquitted person and cannot be placed in a less advantageous position,” SC said.The court said a discharge is on a higher pedestal than an acquittal. “Acquittal is at the end of the trial process, maybe for a technicality or on benefit of doubt or (because) the prosecution could not prove the charge against the accused; but when an accused is discharged, it means that there are no materials to justify launch of a criminal trial against the accused. Once he is discharged, he is no longer an accused,” the bench said, while referring to SC’s previous verdict. “Discharge is a pre-trial termination of proceedings for lack of evidence. As and when ordered, discharge signifies and reinforces the position that there is no material against the accused for him to stand trial,” the SC bench said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder Anthropic’s new AI model exposes fresh risks, flaws for cybersecurity, IT services A.R. Rahman’s home: All about the legendary artist’s multi-crore housing in Chennai and LA Elon Musk Quote: Success quote of the day by Elon Musk: “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor” Aquarius Horoscope Today, April 17, 2026: Commit to one bold goal Dhurandhar 2 Full Movie Collection: ‘Dhurandhar 2’ box office collection Day 29: Ranveer Singh starrer crosses Rs 1100 crore net mark; fails to break ‘Dhurandhar’ record for highest week 4 haul | Hindi Movie News T’puram: Nearly two years after the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides devastated parts of Wayanad, records accessed under the RTI Act show that the Kerala govt has directly spent only Rs 102.6 crore from its own funds for relief and rehabilitation, reports KP Saikiran.According to the disaster management department’s response, this entire amount was drawn from the state disaster response fund. With estimates indicating that rebuilding Wayanad would require several thousand crores, criticism has already emerged that the state’s direct financial commitment remains disproportionately low compared to the scale of the disaster.The Kerala govt has maintained it fully availed the Rs 529.5 crore interest-free loan the Centre had sanctioned for Wayanad’s rehabilitation. However, there is still no publicly available breakdown of how this amount has been utilised. Documents from the revenue department further show that donors from across the world had contributed nearly Rs 774 crore to the CM’s distress relief fund.Of this, Rs 167 crore has been allocated to the Wayanad district collector. A significant portion of this allocation has gone towards land acquisition for a rehabilitation township.Despite the allocations, there has been no meaningful progress in terms of the liveability of the houses, with basic infrastructure such as power and water connections still not in place. Apart from the symbolic handover of keys for a few houses ahead of polls, the township project remains incomplete. Despite substantial donations and central assistance, many of those affected have yet to return to stable living conditions.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantlyWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods 8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’ Sagittarius Horoscope Today, April 17, 2026: Fix a spending limit before home shopping I guarantee that delimitation will not be biased against anyone: PM Charlie Kirk Cremation: Candace Owens reignites Charlie Kirk cremation question as Erika Kirk and Turning Point USA face fresh claims New Delhi: As he held talks with visiting Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, PM Narendra Modi stressed that India and Austria backed stable, sustainable and lasting peace in Ukraine and West Asia, reiterating that military conflict will not resolve issues. The visit, the first by an Austrian chancellor in 42 years, saw over a dozen agreements and announcements across counterterrorism, military affairs and technology.In his media statement, Modi said the world was going through a serious and tense situation, with its impact felt by all. “In such a tense global environment, India and Austria are in agreement that solutions cannot be achieved through military conflict. Whether in Ukraine or West Asia, we support a stable, sustainable and lasting peace,” he said, adding both sides agreed global institutional reform was essential.On West Asia, MEA secretary Sibi George said both sides underscored dialogue and diplomacy, including safe, unimpeded maritime passage. On Ukraine, they backed a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law.Modi said eradicating terrorism remained a shared commitment. India and Austria signed a LoI to establish a Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism and condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terror, Pahalgam attack and the Red Fort incident. Another LoI will provide an institutional framework for military cooperation and defence technology partnership, building on the India-EU Defence and Security Partnership.Bilateral ties received a boost in 2024 with Modi’s Vienna visit, the first by an Indian PM in 41 years. Apart from six agreements, nine announcements were made in high-technology, education, space, startups and cyber security.Modi said India-EU FTA marked a new phase, adding ties with Austria were entering a new era, with cooperation in defence, semiconductors, tech and biotechnology.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods Apr 17, 2026, 05:01 IST The steam-cleaning secret that turns microwave maintenance into a total breeze | Scorpio Horoscope Today, April 17, 2026: Make one big decision Sensex ends barely changed at 78k level Capricorn Horoscope Today, April 17, 2026: Career demands focus Weaker rupee makes India 6th largest economy: IMF data Kolkata: West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company is planning to procure a substantial number of diesel generator (DG) sets and UPS units on a rental basis from neighbouring states like Assam and Bihar.This will be done to ensure an uninterrupted supply of power at polling stations. The state will have 85,379 polling booths at 55,000 polling premises. The Election Commission has directed power companies to ensure continuous supply on voting days.”Out of the 55,000 polling premises, DG sets or UPS units will be deployed in 40,000 locations. In Kolkata, Salt Lake and Siliguri, these backup systems will be stationed at sector offices and dispatched immediately to polling stations as required,” a power official said.EC has expressed concern after discovering that a few hundred polling stations, including about 100 in Kolkata, don’t have electricity ahead of polls. Officials said the lack of power could severely impact webcasting that has been mandated to ensure transparency.The poll body has also directed district election officers to immediately restore electricity at these locations. In places that can’t have direct electricity connections, alternative arrangements have been made. Authorities have been told to ensure no booth should be affected due to the power crisis on polling day, EC sources said.According to sources, the highest number of such booths (50) has been identified in the Kolkata Port constituency. This has raised questions about past polling arrangements in these areas. It has also sparked criticism of infrastructure preparedness.Another power official said on average, 8-10 ICDS centres in each district lack electricity. “These centres usually don’t need power supply as they operate during the day. However, as many will function as polling stations, companies have been told to provide temporary power supply,” the official said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods Wipro to buy back shares worth 15k cr The Academy shares Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic speech from ‘Om Shanti Om’ – WATCH Why some homeowners use aluminum foil to battle weak Wi-Fi signals | Nepal to probe assets of 7 former PMs, ex-king, 100s of ministers, bureaucrats Harivansh Narayan Singh set for 3rd term as RS deputy chair amid opposition boycott ‘Dacoit’ box office collections day 8: Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur film crosses Rs 12 crores overseas Pokimane Valkyrae Backlash: Pokimane and Valkyrae face backlash after distancing from Sykkuno as Fuslie NoahJ456 past controversy fuels hypocrisy claims ‘Destroying New York’: Trump slams NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s tax plan New Delhi: Aligning Congress with arguments of Mandal parties on women’s quota, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday accused govt of avoiding Census 2027 to rob backwards of their rights.As she rejected the Delimitation Bill, Priyanka said, “If this bill is passed, democracy will end in this country.”Priyanka also alleged in LS that political weight of some states is being diluted to strengthen BJP for 2029 LS polls. Pointing to home minister Amit Shah “who is laughing”, she said a complete scheme has been finalised by BJP and even ‘Chanakya’ would have been shocked by its cunning.She said, “The govt wants to move with Census 2011 because it does not have OBC population. What is the PM scared of? That when new census happens, OBC data will come out and show how big it is, and nobody would be able to ignore them. PM wants to rob OBCs by 2011-based delimitation. Congress won’t let it happen.”Priyanka said the bill’s provisions – raising the LS strength to 850, use of Census 2011 and delimitation commission – smack of politics, as she used the expression “rajneeti ki boo aa rahi hai” that was used by the PM in his speech.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods