VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Asha Bhosle, whose voice foregrounded the rebellious notes of desire and abandon in Hindi film music at a time when such attributes were frowned upon in cinema and society, who overcame the looming shadow of her peerless sister Lata Mangeshkar to become the empress of a versatile music universe, and whose voice is sub-consciously part of every Indian’s emotional archive, passed away on Sunday. She was 92. Asha tai, as she was fondly called, was admitted to a Mumbai hospital on Saturday following exhaustion and chest infection. A Dadasaheb Phalke recipient, her career spanned nearly eight decades and more than 11,000 songs; her best rendered under the baton of OP Nayyar and RD Burman. Rollicking duets (especially with Kishore Kumar), bhajans, ghazals, qawwalis, discos, Indi-pop, Bhosle didn’t just sing for every possible genre, she owned them all, enthralling Gen Now and Gen Nehru alike. “All singers are actors. We just act with our voices,” she once said. Her voice was an ideological antonym of her sister’s. At its core, Lata’s voice personified decorum and goodness, attributes tailor-made for decent leading ladies in the 1950s and 60s while Asha’s embodied dissent created space for celluloid social outsiders such as cabaret dancers and gangster’s girls. Nobody also adapted better to the changing trends. And nobody defied age like her. It’s scarcely believable that even in 2026, she collaborated with Gorillaz, a virtual British band. An era has ended. But Asha Bhosle is forever. Avijit Ghosh Asha Bhosle, whose voice foregrounded the rebellious notes of desire and abandon in Hindi film music at a time when such attributes were frowned upon in cinema and society, who overcame the looming shadow of her peerless sister Lata Mangeshkar to become the empress of a versatile music universe, and whose voice is sub-consciously part of every Indian’s emotional archive, passed away on Sunday. She was 92. Asha tai, as she was fondly called, was admitted to a Mumbai hospital on Saturday following exhaustion and chest infection. A Dadasaheb Phalke recipient, her career spanned nearly eight decades and more than 11,000 songs; her best rendered under the baton of OP Nayyar and RD Burman. Rollicking duets (especially with Kishore Kumar), bhajans, ghazals, qawwalis, discos, Indi-pop, Bhosle didn’t just sing for every possible genre, she owned them all, enthralling Gen Now and Gen Nehru alike. “All singers are actors. We just act with our voices,” she once said. Her voice was an ideological antonym of her sister’s. At its core, Lata’s voice personified decorum and goodness, attributes tailor-made for decent leading ladies in the 1950s and 60s while Asha’s embodied dissent created space for celluloid social outsiders such as cabaret dancers and gangster’s girls. Nobody also adapted better to the changing trends. And nobody defied age like her. It’s scarcely believable that even in 2026, she collaborated with Gorillaz, a virtual British band. An era has ended. But Asha Bhosle is forever.About the AuthorAvijit GhoshAvijit Ghosh is an associate editor with The Times of India. He is addicted to films, music, cricket and football—and not necessarily in that order. He is the author of Bandicoots in the Moonlight, Cinema Bhojpuri, 40 Retakes, and now, Up Campus, Down Campus, a novel set in 1980s JNU. He tweets from the handle @cinemawaleghoshRead MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123Photostories8 beautiful baby girls names that mean ‘genius’Best non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty ‘Dhurandhar 2’ box office collection Day 25: Ranveer Singh starrer becomes first Hindi film to cross Rs 1,700 crore mark; chases ‘Pushpa 2’ and ‘Baahubali 2’ record Daily health horoscope, April 13, 2026: Tips for wellness and balance based on each zodiac sign Shivraj Singh Chouhan named observer, BJP starts process to form Bihar govt | India News Capricorn Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: You really can hypnotize people with your voice today NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi will address eminent personalities and women achievers from different sectors on Monday as he steps up his direct outreach to people to build support for bills proposing the implementation of women’s quota in legislatures from 2029, amid critical voices from the opposition, especially over the likely delimitation exercise. An official statement described the programme as “Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan”, similar to the women’s quota law passed in 2023 named ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’. The bills, which Parliament is expected to take up on April 16 during a special sitting, propose to fix the implementation of the law, which provides for reservation of one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and assemblies, from the 2029 national elections. “The programme will witness participation of eminent personalities and women achievers from diverse fields. It will bring together representatives from different sectors such as govt, academia, science, sports, entrepreneurship, media, social work and culture,” the statement said. With a united opposition in a position to deny govt the two-third majority needed for the passage of the constitutional amendment bill, especially in Lok Sabha, Modi has turned to mobilising public support to raise political cost for his rivals in case they turn against the move. He has spoken about the women’s quota bill in his recent political rallies as well.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123Photostories8 beautiful baby girls names that mean ‘genius’Best non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton take romance to Coachella; hold hands as they attend Justin Bieber’s gig- WATCH Weekly Horoscope, April 13 to April 18, 2026: Read weekly astrological predictions US blocks ‘all maritime traffic’ to Iran ports after Islamabad talks fail, allows Hormuz passage Asha Bhosle was never just a voice; she was a presence – one that entered a moment and made it eternal. Voices fade, but hers has only withdrawn into a deeper chamber of memory, where it will continue to resonate for those who have known longing through song. Each time she sang, something unseen was summoned – an alchemy of sur and soul that refused to belong to time. When I appro-ached her for ‘Umrao Jaan’, with Khayyam shaping the music and Shahryar giving it language, to inhabit the world of Rekha, she sensed immediately that this was not a recording – it was a reckoning. She understood that she would have to travel beyond craft. That she would have to become the voice of a civilisation that once lived in tehzeeb, in restraint, in unspoken ache. She gave Lucknow a permanence that cinema had long denied it. In an industry often without place, she created one. To bring her into Awadh was not direction, it was invocation. The only distant echo was Begum Akhtar. Yet even that was not imitation, but inh-eritance. Both carried that ra-re, unnameable gift – the ability to dissolve and become. She knew this without being told. And she met it with something that cannot be rehearsed – surrender. She did not sing the character; she yielded to it. Such truth is rare in the architecture of commercial Hindi cinema. It is rarer still to be recognised, as it was, at the 29th National Film Awards. (The writer is the director of ‘Umrao Jaan’)End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123Photostories8 beautiful baby girls names that mean ‘genius’Best non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty Apr 13, 2026, 05:01 IST IPL 2026: Jasprit Bumrah struggles for breakthroughs, records longest wicketless streak Priyanka Chopra mourns Asha Bhosle’s demise; says singing legend was ‘one of the greatest gifts music has ever known’ Scorpio Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: Property matters look favourable C.S. Lewis Quote: Quote of the Day by C.S. Lewis: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” Asha Bhosle There are singers who belong to an era, and then there is Asha Bhosle, who treated decades like passing trends she would dip into and then outdo. A vocal sponge, Bhosle was soaking up the pop and jazz greats long before the internet made it easy. “I used to watch Carmen Miranda a lot and try to imitate her style,” she had said in an interview, “like I did later with Shirley Bassey.” Tucked into voluminous saris, the Asha tai who loved dishing out her signature ‘Maa ki Dal’ and jaggery kheer was the same woman who wat-ched Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock three times just to nail the phrasing for ‘Eena Meena Deeka’; who received a letter from the Vatican for her rendition of ‘Ave Maria’; and became the first Indian singer to form a pop group overseas in Britain, the West India Company, in the 1980s. At a time when playback voices in India were still neatly boxed – classical, romantic, devotional – Bhosle was slipping between them. Trained in Hindustani classical music, she said, “If you have the desire and riyaz… you can sing anything.” She wandered into cabaret, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and global pop long before the industry had quite figured out what to call any of it. The turning point, as many stories go, arrived with the Burmans. S D Burman first showed her how to add her own ‘inputs’ to a track to make it work, but it was with R D Burman it started taking root when the duo would sit up until 4am listening to jazz and rock. When he handed her ‘Aaja Aaja’ for Teesri Manzil, she is said to have balked at its Westernised swagger. This wasn’t a tune you could approach like a ghazal. It needed breathless phrasing and a loose shrug. Ten days of rehearsal later, she owned it so completely that it now sounds like it was always hers. That became a pattern. Whether it was the smokey, rhythmic breathing of ‘Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja’ or the pop-ballad ease of ‘Chura Liya Hai,’ Bhosle could adjust her vocal cords to match every mood. By the 1990s, when ‘crossover’ became a buzzword, she was already living it. “I told my son Anand, I’ve sung in practically every Indian language but I haven’t done English,” she said of her jump into the West India Company. It was a leap into the unknown that would have terrified a lesser artist. “Although the music was ready, there was no fixed tune to sing. I had created my own tune and melody,” she said about merging Indian vocals with Western club rh-ythms and electronic music. This ability to improvise allowed her to record ‘Bow Down Mister’ with Boy George, where Indian devotional strains met synth-heavy pop. It could have been a gimmick. Instead, it sounded like a natural extension of what she had alw-ays done with unaffected ease. At 64, she stepped into the centre of the MTV glare. She teamed up with Code Red for the ballad ‘We Can Make It’ and appeared in a music video, matching the boy band and their R&B groove with her silk sari and alaaps. Soon after, she appeared on ‘The Way You Dream’ with REM’s Michael Stipe for his project ‘1 Giant Leap’, a track that drifted into Hollywood with the 2003 action-comedy film ‘Bulletproof Monk’. Bhosle did not so much cross over from East to West as meet it, on equal terms. Cornershop’s ‘Brimful of Asha’ turned her into a cultural reference point, later remixed by Fatboy Slim. Black Eyed Peas sampled her in ‘Don’t Phunk with My Heart’, tucking her voice into 2000s hip-hop. Sarah Brightman lifted ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ into operatic pop. In 2005, the Kronos Quartet built an album around her, ‘You’ve Stolen My Heart’. She recorded the R D Burman classics with such velocity – three to four songs a day – the quartet struggled to keep up. It earned her a Grammy nomination. Even in later years, she seemed game for unlikely pairings, whether it was a duet wi-th cricketer Brett Lee to collaborations with Pakistani pop si-nger Jawad Ahmed that igno-red the politics of the moment. Which brings us to 2026. Bhosle, well into her nineties, recording ‘The Shadowy Light’ from her Pedder Road home for the genre-blurring British virtual band Gorillaz – her voice against a swirl of hip-hop, dub and electronica, with an old harmonium in the mix – in what would be her final collaboration.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty IPL 2026: Virat Kohli loses cool, throws helmet and gloves after dismissal vs Mumbai Indians War in Gulf, layoffs hit discretionary spends Katy Perry and beau Justin Trudeau turn Coachella into a date night; joke about Justin Bieber’s YouTube-style set – WATCH Libra Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: Choose quality over quantity ‘Urdu-speaking’ assembly seats in UP record lower voter deletions NEW DELHI: Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday hit back at Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his “slave” remark, asserting that the “DMK is unable to accept the strength of the AIADMK.””MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin are focusing only on criticising me in their campaigns, rather than speaking about people’s welfare or government schemes… Neither I nor my party cadres are slaves. While DMK may be a sewer, AIADMK cadres are proud followers of MG Ramachandran and will never accept such labels,” he said, PTI reported.”AIADMK is strong, and DMK is unable to accept this strength, which is why they resort to criticism,” he added.The response came after Udhayanidhi Stalin described the AIADMK-led NDA alliance as a “slave team” and accused Palaniswami of failing to defend Tamil Nadu’s interests, particularly on the NEET issue.”This election is between the Delhi team and the Tamil Nadu team. Our leader is the captain, and we will win. The AIADMK-led NDA alliance is a slave team. The NEET examination was implemented during the AIADMK regime under his leadership,” Udhayanidhi said.”He (Edappadi Palaniswami) failed to raise his voice for Tamil Nadu’s welfare. He is subservient to the Central Government,” he added.PollWho do you think has a stronger campaign strategy in the upcoming elections?AIADMKDMKTVKNone of the above Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA led by AIADMK, while actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, adding a third dimension to the contest.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 MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty Melanie Collins, NFL sideline reporter drops stunning beach snap, giving fans a glimpse into her relaxing offseason life This Egyptian discovery could rewrite humans origin history; scientists say we have been looking in the wrong place | World News NEW DELHI: As West Bengal gears up for Assembly elections scheduled on April 23 and April 29, with results due on May 4, the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency has become a crucial electoral battleground, where major parties, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are intensifying their campaigns in a bid to secure a decisive advantage.The high-stakes contest is most visible in Asansol Dakshin, where BJP leader and sitting MLA Agnimitra Paul faces TMC’s Tapas Banerjee in what is expected to be a closely fought race. Paul, also the Vice President of the BJP’s West Bengal unit, is seeking to retain her seat, while Banerjee, currently the MLA from Raniganj, is attempting a return to Asansol Dakshin, which he represented from 2011 to 2021.The Asansol Lok Sabha constituency comprises seven Assembly segments: Pandabeswar, Raniganj, Jamuria, Asansol Dakshin, Asansol Uttar, Kulti and Barabani. Located in the state’s industrial belt, the region holds significant political and economic importance, making it a focal point in the broader electoral contest.Part of the Asansol-Durgapur industrial zone, the area is known for its coal, iron and steel industries and remains one of West Bengal’s key economic hubs. Despite this, residents continue to grapple with civic challenges, including poor road conditions and inadequate drinking water supply. Heavy vehicular traffic has further damaged infrastructure, creating daily hardships for commuters.Politically, Asansol has traditionally been seen as a TMC stronghold, although the BJP has made steady inroads in recent years. The constituency’s demographic composition, with an estimated 75 per cent Hindu voter base, adds to its strategic importance for both parties.The outcome in Asansol could play a significant role in shaping the overall election results in the state, which has 294 Assembly seats and a majority mark of 148.In the 2021 Assembly elections, the All India Trinamool Congress secured a commanding victory with 213 seats and a 48.5 per cent vote share, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats and 38.5 per cent of the votes. Smaller players and independents accounted for the remaining seats, with the total declared tally at 292.A similar trend was seen in 2016, when the TMC won 211 seats with a 45.6 per cent vote share. The Congress secured 44 seats, while the CPI(M) won 26. Other parties and independents made marginal gains.With both the TMC and BJP stepping up their efforts, Asansol is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the balance of power in West Bengal once the votes are counted.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 MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ emerges as highest-grossing Hollywood film of 2026 with USD 629 million haul; ‘Dhurandhar 2’ slips out of top 10 list at North American box office Virgo Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: Avoid buying things to reduce stress Viral video of man harassing woman on Jaipur road sparks outrage; Rajasthan Police spring into action Astronomers detect mega-laser beam signal from 8 billion light-years away Mamata Banerjee KOLKATA/KHANDAGHOSH: Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee warned of “operations” starting Sunday night to arrest Trinamool workers ahead of assembly polls less than a fortnight away, urging them to be careful under an administration now under the EC. Mamata vowed to resist BJP’s attempt “to break Bengal through delimitation” that is slated to start following the Census this year. BJP, she said, is trying to “harass and intimidate” Bengal’s voters, including her, because it “knows it will lose the elections”. “Many will be detained and arrested before the polls (as part of an election strategy). These operations will start (Sunday) tonight. Do not be intimidated… Remember, everything is under EC during this election – nothing is in our hands. Be vigilant for another 15-21 days; then we will see, we will fight, and we will win again… They (BJP) know they will lose the election. That is why they have changed everything here,” the CM said at a rally in East Burdwan’s Khandaghosh, alluding to a wave of transfers in the state administration. Flagging her opposition to a delimitation bill, which the Centre is likely to introduce in Lok Sabha this month, Mamata called it a design to “break Bengal into three parts”. “Then NRC will be implemented. People will be sent to detention camps. In Assam, out of 19 lakh people sent to detention camps, 13 lakh were Hindus and six lakh Muslims. We will never allow detention camps in Bengal,” the CM said. Mamata described SIR as “the biggest scam”. PM Narendra Modi, she said, was voted to office for a third term by people on the 2024 rolls. “Is everyone an infiltrator?” she asked, referring to those who voted in the last Lok Sabha elections but have been excluded after SIR.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ emerges as highest-grossing Hollywood film of 2026 with USD 629 million haul; ‘Dhurandhar 2’ slips out of top 10 list at North American box office Leo Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: Spending rises on travel, food, and little comforts 4 days after Bengal roll freeze, tribunals to start hearings today Hate crimes targeting Sikh Americans in US rose 3,700% in a decade: FBI report Subhas Chandra Bose’s grandnephew, Chandra Bose, joined TMC on Sunday in the presence of state education minister Bratya Basu and party MP Kirti Azad, reports Prithvijit Mitra. After his induction, he attacked his BJP, which he had quit in 2023. “BJP’s policies are blatantly communal and anti-Constitution. They attempt to win polls by playing the religion card, which is a divisive policy. This is exactly what the British did during their 200-year rule in India. We drove them out, and now the time has come to drive out BJP,” Bose told TOI.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty Kareena Kapoor Khan faces backlash for ‘skipping queue’ at airport; netizens ask ‘Who gave celebrities this entitlement?’ | Hindi Movie News The static secret behind using a damp cloth to remove dust | Gemini Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: Fix a spending limit before any trade, and don’t cross it West Bengal polls: NIA detains Congress nominee, 3 others over Malda unrest | India News Who is Péter Magyar? Lawyer who defeated Viktor Orbán after 16-year rule set to become Hungarian prime minister KOLKATA: Suspended Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir has acknowledged that a video released by the party – purportedly showing him seeking Rs 1,000 crore from BJP and calling Muslims “gullible” – is authentic but alleged it was selectively edited from a 51-minute recording. The admission has handed Trinamool fresh ammunition against BJP ahead of Bengal polls after PM Narendra Modi’s comment on TMC circulating AI-generated clips. “The video is true, but only 19 minutes of a 51-minute conversation have been shown. I was speaking to two persons – one claimed to be a sadhu from Siliguri, the other a journalist from Delhi. I have the full video to support my claims,” Kabir said. He alleged that TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee had orchestrated a sting operation, sending a man “disguised as a maharaj” and a Delhi-based journalist to entrap him. The 19-minute clip, titled ‘The Reality of HK’, has not been independently verified. “I will identify them and take legal action. I have six lawyers ready,” he said, adding the recording took place at his Berhampore flat on Dec 19, 2025. “There is no footage showing me meeting any BJP member – not Modi, not Shah,” he said. TMC was quick to use the admission to target BJP. “When Kabir himself has said the video is real, why did the PM call it AI-generated?” a party functionary asked. CM Mamata Banerjee seized on the admission. “You are seeing how a Rs 1,000 crore deal has been made to divide Hindus and Muslims. The person in the video is saying it is real – how will this be covered up now?” she asked at a rally in Bankura’s Onda. The controversy has already claimed political casualties. AIMIM snapped its alliance with Kabir’s AUJP within a day of the video surfacing, saying it “cannot associate with statements where the integrity of Muslims is questioned” and announcing it would contest the Bengal elections independently. The alliance, announced weeks earlier, had envisaged AJUP contesting 182 of Bengal’s 294 seats and AIMIM 17.About the AuthorTamaghna BanerjeeTamaghna Banerjee, a reporter from Kolkata, covers crime, aviation, human rights and politics. He has a keen interest in human interest and rural reporting. He has done his postgraduation in journalism and mass communication. He has a total of 14 years in journalism.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty The colourful quick fix that is quietly protecting your garden gear from cracks | Cancer Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: Be careful while driving How a Netanyahu phone call to JD Vance ‘shifted focus’ in Iran-US negotiations Pisces Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: This isn’t the day for kindness that empties your pocket NEW DELHI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday accused the BJP-led Union government of attempting to reduce Tamil Nadu’s political representation under the pretext of the proposed women’s reservation, as he addressed an election rally in Paramakudi and stepped up campaign promises ahead of the polls.Alleging a “betrayal” of southern states, Stalin said the Centre was seeking to penalise regions like Tamil Nadu that had successfully implemented population control measures and contributed significantly to national growth. He asserted that democratic forces across the country would oppose the move.“Does AIADMK chief Palaniswami have the courage to oppose and question this injustice?” Stalin said, targeting the opposition and questioning its stance on the issue.The Chief Minister also outlined a series of welfare measures, promising that the number of buses under the fare-free travel scheme for women would be increased if the DMK returns to power with what he described as a “Dravidian model 2.0” government.Highlighting the impact of existing schemes, Stalin said that under the free bus travel initiative, women had undertaken more than 935 crore trips over 1,800 days. He described the DMK’s manifesto as the “election superstar” and reiterated the promise of an Rs 8,000 coupon for purchasing home appliances.On fishermen’s welfare, he said seaweed cultivation would be encouraged and added that the Union government would be urged to take back Katchatheevu, without directly naming Sri Lanka.Earlier in the day, Stalin conducted a morning walk in Paramakudi, interacting with residents and seeking their support as campaigning gathers pace in the state.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 MediaVideosUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post Ceasefire123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty Shamir Tandon recalls Asha Bhosle’s emotional words: ‘Ab mujhe bahut ache tarike se chale jana hai… khud se milna hai’ Aries Horoscope Today, April 13, 2026: Put today’s extra income straight into a planned deposit, no detours How Iran-US mediation in Pakistan collapsed amid questions over China’s silent influence Did Britney Spears check into rehab? 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