VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Germany expects to sign $8 billion submarine deal with India ‘soon’ FBI’s rare Cuba mission: Agents fly to Cuba to recover a child from a transgender parent who wanted transition surgery for child | World News Suvendu Adhikari, Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin and EPS NEW DELHI: The stage is all set for high-stakes electoral battle as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu head to the assembly elections on Thursday (April 23).Tamil Nadu is voting in a single phase across all 234 seats, while West Bengal will vote for 152 seats in this phase.The second phase of West Bengal assembly contest will be held on April 29. Both the poll-bound states, governed by regional heavyweights, have witnessed an intense, high-decibel campaign. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) brigade led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, has pushed hard to challenge Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin, while Rahul Gandhi and other leaders added to the campaign blitz.Amit Shah struck an aggressive note, saying, “In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Congress will not even cross double digits.”Even as political rhetoric peaked, the Election Commission tightened its vigil. Cash, liquor, drugs and other inducements worth over Rs 1,000 crore have been seized across both states, with total recoveries touching Rs 1,072.13 crore since February 26.On the ground, Tamil Nadu saw large-scale movement of Electronic Voting Machines and polling materials under heavy security cover. West Bengal, meanwhile, witnessed significant deployment of central forces, a move questioned by Mamata Banerjee, who asked, “are they trying to intimidate?”She also flagged the use of CRPF armoured vehicles during polling, alleging that the BJP-led Centre was deploying state machinery to sway the electoral outcome, as voters prepare to cast their ballots in a fiercely contested race.West BengalThe key seats in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly battle include Suvendu Adhikari’s Nandigram, where he had earlier defeated sitting chief minister Mamata Banerjee.Mamata Banerjee has since shifted to Bhabanipur, while Suvendu Adhikari continues to politically challenge her, as he has filed his nomination papers from Bhabanipur as well. Other important constituencies in this phase include Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri. Campaigning for the phase concluded on April 21.North Bengal key focusNorth Bengal remains the central focus of Phase 1, with 54 assembly seats voting in this round.In Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari is contesting against Trinamool Congress candidate Pabitra Kar, along with other contenders, making it one of the most closely watched contests.Mamata seeks to retain Kolkata throneThe battle for West Bengal remains intense as chief minister Mamata Banerjee seeks to retain power and consolidate voter support, while the BJP looks to build on its strong surge in 2021.Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah have pushed the slogan “sonar bangla” targeting Mamata Banerjee’s “Bohiragata” narrative. The BJP has also sharpened its attack on issues such as law and order and infiltration, citing incidents like RG Kar, Murshidabad, and Sandeshkhali.Opposition and Left fight for relevanceThe Congress factor, despite a long electoral decline, could still play a role in shaping outcomes in Kolkata and beyond. The Left Front, once dominant under Jyoti Basu, continues to struggle to regain relevance in the state. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has also faced fire from its INDIA bloc allies, the Congress and the Left, even as it tries to maintain its stronghold in West Bengal’s political landscape.Tamil NaduOver 5.73 crore voters are set to decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, with tight security in place and a sweeping crackdown on inducements by the Election Commission of India. DMK vs AIADMK: The core battleThe contest is primarily between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led front, with chief minister MK Stalin seeking a second term, while Edappadi K Palaniswami aims to return to power after five years.Tamil Nadu’s political landscape has long been dominated by Dravidian parties, and this election largely continues that bipolar trend. However, the DMK has appeared electorally stronger in recent years, while the AIADMK has struggled to regain its footing after the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.The last assembly election that AIADMK managed to win was in 2016, under Amma’s shadow, just months before her death. The five-year chief ministerial tenure was then divided between Jayalalithaa, O Panneerselvam, and later EPS, who now holds the party command.The national parties, BJP and Congress, remain in the backseat of their Dravidian partners, the BJP is in an electoral alliance with its old and traditional ally AIADMK, while Congress is aligned with the ruling DMK.Vijay factor adds new twistThis election, however, comes with a fresh variable. Tamil superstar Vijay has entered the political arena with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, drawing massive crowds at rallies and roadshows.His popularity has translated into strong on-ground mobilisation, though one such gathering in Karur tragically led to a stampede.Can crowd support turn into votes?While Vijay’s entry has added a new dimension to the contest, his party is contesting independently, outside the DMK and AIADMK alliances. Unlike national parties such as the BJP and Congress, TVK is not seen as an “outsider” in Tamil Nadu’s political fabric.The key question, however, remains whether this visible public support can convert into votes, a challenge that has historically tested celebrity-led political ventures 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 MediaVideosIndia Marks Pahalgam Anniversary With a Strong Message To Terror Outfits & Pak | WatchEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock You123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionExclusive: President Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap Patrick Muldoon passes away at 57: Ex-partner Tori Spelling calls him ‘the most beautiful soul’ IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant’s horror run continues, dismissed for three-ball duck vs RR | Cricket News Arti Varma, Meera Varma: Indian-origin mother-daughter duo stabbed in US, new details emerge about accused ‘A senior person snatched my plate’: Panchayat actor Vinod Suryavanshi recalls humiliation as junior artist, rejection over looks | Hindi Movie News Nobel Prize-winning economist on Anthropic CEO’s white-collar jobs wipeout: He may be underestimating how messy some of those jobs are Mayte Garcia recalls finding out about ex-husband Prince’s passing: ‘It was really hard, and I didn’t want it to be true’ Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight? Boston Celtics star returns from Achilles injury in remarkable playoff comeback Is Trump’s Hormuz blockade a ‘success’? 34 Iran-linked tankers bypass restrictions with $900 million oil Consistent grit: Women’s 40–49 category shines at Times Internet half marathon | India News ‘Raaka’ team shuts down baseless rumours and confirms ‘Deepika Padukone plays a crucial role’ – Exclusive Sergei Bobrovsky NHL trade rumors grow as Florida Panthers evaluate offseason contract and replacement speculation DWP expands face-to-face PIP assessments despite staffing shortages in UK (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The accused in the murder of an IRS officer’s daughter was arrested by Delhi Police on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. He has been taken into custody after being tracked down to a hotel in Dwarka.Earlier in the day, the 22-year-old woman was found murdered in South Delhi’s Amar Colony area. Investigators suspect she was strangled, possibly using a mobile phone charging cable recovered from the scene.According to Delhi Police, the main suspect, identified as Rahul, had initially gone absconding, prompting multiple teams to conduct raids to trace him. During the investigation, officers reached his residence in Alwar, where it emerged that he had allegedly been involved in a molestation incident in his locality just a day before the murder.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 MediaVideosEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap Jackie Jackson talks about claims of their father forcing them into Jackson 5 – ‘We wanted to do it’ Weeks after Bill Gates announced his plan to shut down Gates Foundation; CEO sends ‘layoff memo’ to employees saying: This is a challenging time for our organization in … Indian student behind fake ‘Emily Hart’ that scammed MAGA wants to study in US Kairana MP Iqra Hasan Choudhary. (File image) NEW DELHI: One of the just two Muslim women in the 543-seat Lok Sabha, Kairana MP Iqra Hasan Choudhary voted against the amendment to fast-track women’s reservation on April 17. She said she did not reject the idea of women’s quota but questioned who this particular version of it would actually serve.“Muslim women, especially poor, rural, OBC and minority women, will be the last to benefit,” she told TOI on Wednesday. “By linking reservation to delimitation and census, you are making women’s representation hostage to a political calculus that has rarely favoured our communities.As one of the two Muslim women in the house—alongside Trinamool Congress’s Sajda Ahmed—Choudhary, who represents Kairana in western UP, said her scepticism about who this bill will actually reach is not theoretical. “There is no clarity on OBC or minority women. If the most marginalised are still missing, what are we really achieving?”Nearly two years into her first term, the Samajwadi Party MP and SOAS University of London postgraduate said the entire debate has remained, at its core, a “metropolitan conversation polished in studios”, one that has “barely touched” the constituency she represents.Ambition, she said, is itself a function of access. “Only women with advantage—family in politics, connections—are able to even think like that.”Even where quotas already exist, at the “pradhani level”, the pipeline is narrow and pre‑guarded. “Because of panchayat reservation, women can at least imagine local leadership. But you will still not see fresh faces—without a husband’s backing or family already in politics, it doesn’t happen.” Some women, she added, started as someone’s daughter or sister and made their own space. “But we are still a deeply patriarchal society. A dedicated space has to be deliberately created.” It is this ground reality—not parliamentary procedure—that shaped her vote, she said.The Kairana MP said, “I come from a political family. Even then, it took time for people to accept that women can lead.” The ceiling, for Muslim women in Indian politics, has barely been scratched, she said. Across the entire history of the Lok Sabha, only 18 Muslim women have ever been elected. Today, there are two.Her structural alarm is the “delimitation link”. She pointed to Assam and said “the 2023 redrawing has reduced the number of Muslim‑majority seats, raising fears of diluted Muslim representation. Delimitation is not neutral”.She said she sees the “same politics” at work in triple talaq. “It criminalised a civil matter—also done in the name of helping Muslim women.” Both moves, in her reading, “arrive wrapped in the language of women’s emancipation while serving a different purpose entirely. “It is about playing with minds, not giving women a voice.”The opposition, she added, wasn’t even “properly” consulted on the women’s reservation issue in Parliament. “A reform of this scale needs broader consensus. They didn’t have the numbers, so they didn’t try.”About the AuthorIsmat AraAt The Times of India, Ismat Ara covers politics, people, and societies, with a focus on accountability, justice, and lived experience. Shaped by years of rigorous reporting across cities, small towns, and remote villages, she is drawn to the human stories tucked beneath policy and paperwork.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED RaidIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’123PhotostoriesAre you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to knowGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadHow to spot fake friends: 10 toxic traits disguised as ‘friendship’123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap ‘Panchayat’ actor Vinod Suryavanshi reveals being surprised when Akshay Kumar asked for sabudana khichdi from his house: ‘My wife didn’t believe’ | Hindi Movie News Are you killing your Bougainvillea with kindness? Here are 4 things you really need to know NFL Trade Rumor: Carolina Panthers linked to $30M Indianapolis Colts CB amid push to strengthen defense File photo NEW DELHI: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh has got an international tag of Ramsar site, taking India’s total of such protected wetlands to 99 and the state’s tally to 12.Globally, there are nearly 2,594 such designated wetlands under the 1971 Ramsar Convention. India has the highest number of such wetlands in Asia and third highest in the world after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).“This partially human-made wetland complex, comprising Shekha Jheel Lake and surrounding deciduous forest, was formed following the construction in the 1850s of the Upper Ganges Canal, which flows adjacent to the site,” said the Convention secretariat on its website.Highlighting the ecological importance of the site, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday said, “Shekha Jheel acts as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, providing a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork and various ducks during the winter season.” He through his post on X also appealed to people to visit the site.The site has been designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its importance for bird conservation. It also supports other water-dependent species, such as three threatened turtle species: the black pond turtle, Indian flap-shelled turtle and Ganges soft-shelled turtle. The number of Indian wetland sites in the global list of Ramsar Convention has increased from 26 to 99 in the past 11 years, of which 57 have been added in the last four years.Wetlands are land areas covered by water, either temporarily/ seasonally or permanently. These are critical ecosystems that play a significant role in supporting biodiversity, and providing various ecosystem services such as flood control, water supply, food, fibre and raw materials.The Convention was adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, providing a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands across its 172-member countries including India.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also Arrested123PhotostoriesANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoymentMumbai-Pune commute set for makeover with signal-free Atal Setu link123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap Iran war: Trump sanctions waiver or not – why India continues to buy Russian oil Allu Arjun builds Rs 100 crore dream home in Jubilee Hills; Next to THIS veteran star’s residence in Hyderabad Tamil Nadu elections 2026: From Vijay’s Tiruchirapalli East and Perambur to Stalin’s Kolathur, key seats to watch out for Rescue dog finally finds home after five years, only to be returned just 12 days later for heartbreaking reason Heatwaves will become a major threat to Indian rice production, Ganges and Indus River basin face the most intense risk: FAO-WMO report | India News JKBOSE Class 12th Annual Regular Summer Zone result 2026 released at jkresults.nic.in: Direct link to download scorecards here ‘Dhurandhar 2’ singer Jasmine Sandlas reveals Premanand Maharaj’s words that are tattooed in her brain: ‘I felt seen that day’ Google may have made it official, tells Nvidia: Yes, we are coming after you with our new … Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, using a ‘#PAY2TMC’ and ‘Tolabazi’ jibe to target her party over alleged corruption and cash-for-service politics ahead of assembly polls.In a post on X, he referred to the party’s alleged cash-for-service culture and digital campaign messaging, writing: “Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Tolabazi’ now has a digital address: #PAY2TMC.”He further claimed that wall posters in Kolkata reflected public anger against the ruling party, alleging that slogans such as ‘Ration Hok Ba Chakri… Scan Korun’ exposed the ‘true nature’ of the TMC government. “Kolkata’s walls are echoing the absolute disgust of the masses. The posters stating, ‘Ration Hok Ba Chakri… Scan Korun,’ expose the true DNA of the TMC government, where every fundamental right comes with a ‘cut-money’ price tag,” he wrote. Expanding his attack, Malviya alleged widespread corruption under what he termed the “TMC’s Decade of Loot”, claiming irregularities in recruitment and public distribution systems. He cited the School Service Commission recruitment process and public distribution system as examples, alleging that merit and ration benefits were ‘siphoned off’ through corruption networks.He also said the situation reflected deep public anger in West Bengal, claiming that “the writing is literally on the wall” and that the state’s youth and poor had been “robbed blind” over the years.Malviya further escalated his attack on the ruling party, saying: “The countdown to the end of this corrupt, extortionist regime begins with Phase 1 tomorrow. Press the button to permanently log out the TMC!”West Bengal will go to polls in two phases, with voting to be held on April 23 and April 29.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 MediaVideosIran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, India-Bound Vessel Sparks Global ConcernINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace Efforts123PhotostoriesGenelia Deshmukh proves she believes in tradition in the sea of trends with her soft pink Nauvari saree momentANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across AustraliaOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoyment123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dismissed for 8 as RR’s top order falls apart vs LSG | Cricket News RBI Junior Engineer Recruitment 2026 application under way: Check eligibility, key dates, and direct link to apply here Rajpal Yadav opens up on 10-12-year age gap, bonding with wife Radha: ‘Langoor ko hoor mil gayi’ ‘We will not give them a single rupee’: BJP MP’s remark sparks row in Gujarat; oppn files complaint | India News Month into new govt, Nepal home minister Sudan Gurung quits over links to bizmen under laundering lens Dedication on display: Standout performances in the 40–49 category at Times Internet half marathon | India News US stock market today: Wall street opens in green on ceasefire extension relief Karnataka SSLC Class 10th result 2026 expected to be released in early May, DigiLocker notice says “soon:” Check complete details here Veteran actress Elsie Kelly passes away at 89; tributes pour in “You should never go to India”; the truth behind this foreign couple’s statement will leave you shocked | Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Sam Altman just ‘linked’ you to the Molotov cocktail attack on his home; says: I think the way certain other labs talk … “My grandfather chose India over Pakistan, ensured Murshidabad stayed in this country, and they deleted my name.” A visibly upset Chhote Nawab, Syed Reza Ali Mirza, a direct descendant of Mir Jafar, told TOI in Murshidabad. A few hundred metres away, a Hazarduari guide and a tonga puller expressed the same regret. Despite holding documents that, they say, go back more than 300 years, their names have been deleted in the SIR process. They still have deep faith in the Constitution and in the electoral process, and believe their names will eventually be restored. But the sense of disappointment, of feeling suddenly left out and marked in their own backyard, is hard to miss. Versions of that sentiment surface across several parts of south Bengal, from Chowringhee in Kolkata to Howrah Uttar and Howrah Madhya, and from Bhangar in South 24 Parganas to Deganga in North 24 Parganas, where many residents claim that despite having valid documents, they have faced the brunt of this clean-up.That anger now plays out against a shifting electoral backdrop. After adjudication, 27,16,393 of the 60,06,675 voters placed under scrutiny were deleted. At the same time, the rolls also see fresh additions through Form 6, taking the electorate to 6,82,51,008. Even after those additions, however, the total remains 83,86,521 below the pre-SIR figure, which is why the sense of hurt continues to run deep in affected neighbourhoods. Watch West Bengal Election 2026: TMC vs BJP, Who Will Win the Battle? In Tikiapara, Howrah, Hafiz, an 85-year-old rickshaw puller, challenges Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to inspect his papers and says he can match the CEC document for document. Across several minority pockets, the mood is one of simmering suspicion. Many residents see the deletions not as routine scrutiny but as deliberate exclusion. Quite a few link it directly to their perceived loyalty to the ruling Trinamool Congress. “Didi ke harate chaye EC”, “the EC wants to defeat Didi”, is a claim that comes up repeatedly. In Howrah, local Trinamool functionaries argue that such a move could backfire, because those Muslims whose names remain on the rolls may now feel even more compelled to vote for the party. Former minister and Kamarhati candidate Madan Mitra makes the point bluntly: even if only one vote remains valid, that vote goes to Trinamool. Many Muslim voters say Mamata Banerjee has ensured that communities live in relative peace, has not openly discriminated against any religion, and has kept welfare schemes flowing. In that telling, voting for the Trinamool becomes less a matter of enthusiasm than of duty and protection. That feeling appears strongest in places where the party is seen as the only viable force capable of keeping the BJP out.That consensus, however, is not uniform. In places like Bhangar, Muslim ISF supporters complain of discrimination from the TMC government in housing benefits. In Baharampur, Adhir Chowdhury accuses the ruling party of having planned a riot in 2024. Sabir Ahamed, director of the Sabar Institute, believes that, cutting across geography, the effect of SIR is likely to consolidate minority support behind the ruling party. In his reading, visible anti-incumbency among minorities on issues such as OBC reservation and the Waqf Bill has now receded behind a more immediate fear about documentation, exclusion and vulnerability. He argues that, for many, the election becomes a question of survival and they may opt for TMC which has been strident in its opposition to SIR compared to other parties like Left, Congress and ISF.Ahamed’s reading of the data is that the clean-up pattern changes between the ASDD stage (absent, shifted, dead or duplicate) and the under-adjudication stage. According to him, Muslim-dominated seats initially show a relatively high level of mapped population, while Matua areas appear more unmapped. But once the under-adjudication data is mapped against Muslim population, the pattern shifts. He says there is a clear positive correlation between the under-adjudication percentage and Muslim population. His analysis is the final rolls too bear a similar trend. He points to constituencies such as Shamsherganj, Lalgola, Bhagabangola, Metiabruz, Farakka and Mothabari as examples of places that see large deletions after scrutiny. The broader constituency data, too, shows especially heavy deletions in Murshidabad, along with significant losses in Malda, North Dinajpur, South 24 Parganas, Birbhum, and Matua-dominant pockets of North 24 Parganas and Nadia. Ahamed says places like Domkal and Farakka were over 90% mapped, but have now faced widespread deletion. The researchers have taken up Bhowanipore and Nandigram, the most talked-about constituencies in these polls for micro level analysis, and have found a disproportionately high rate of deletion among Muslims. All this shows a biased method of deletion, feels Ahamed. At the same time, not everyone agrees that this automatically translates into a clear electoral dividend for the Trinamool. Political commentator Subhamoy Maitra says there is no definitive evidence to suggest that voters in Muslim-dominated districts such as Malda, Murshidabad and North Dinajpur will shift en masse to the ruling party simply because of the large-scale deletions. Instead, he argues, those unhappy with the government may still repose their faith in the Congress and the Left. Referring to the 2024 general election results, he notes that the third front improved its vote share from 2021 and still retains a meaningful base. On the broader clean-up, he says the deletion of around 58.2 lakh ASDD names in the draft roll could potentially hurt the ruling party, which has long prided itself on its organisational strength, but he cautions against drawing any straightforward conclusion. The Congress ran an aggressive campaign in Malda and Murshidabad, with Rahul Gandhi leading the way in Shamsherganj. The party has more than a chance in places like Sujapur, Malatipur, Ratua and Chanchal in Malda, and Jalangi, Lalgola, Baharampur, Sagardighi and Farakka in Murshidabad. Similarly, the Left fancies its chances in seats like Khargram, Kandi, Domkal and Murshidabad. In Chopra, Karandighi and Chakulia in North Dinajpur, and Kumarganj in South Dinajpur, proper three- or four-way contests are expected. In such contests, even a slight shift in loyalty can tip the balance of power. With keeping the BJP at bay remaining the primary objective, the minority community is likely to weigh its options carefully.It is no secret that Muslim voters have steadily moved towards the Trinamool since 2011. With Muslims accounting for around 27% of Bengal’s population, they often hold the difference between the victor and the vanquished. In the two Muslim-majority districts of Malda and Murshidabad, the Trinamool’s vote share rose by close to 10 percentage points between 2011 and 2021. During the same period, Muslim representation in the Congress and the Left collapsed, while the Trinamool’s rose sharply. Yet 2024 also shows that the ruling party is not unshakeable in these belts. It slipped in Murshidabad and fell behind in all 12 assembly segments of Malda. That is what keeps the Congress and the Left relevant, even if their lack of alliance, and the presence of formations such as Humayun Kabir’s AJUP, make the picture more complicated.Many believe Mamata Banerjee’s inclusive politics has won the approval of minorities. Others argue she has simply treated them as a captive vote bank. Either way, minority support remains one of the main pillars of the Trinamool’s electoral strength. Post-SIR, the anger among minority voters is undeniable. The question is whether it is substantial enough to consolidate support behind Didi to help her secure a fourth term, escaping clear signs of anti-incumbency. We will know in a few days’ time.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosINS Dhruv: The ship behind India’s missile tracking and strategic strength‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also Arrested123PhotostoriesOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoymentMumbai-Pune commute set for makeover with signal-free Atal Setu linkFrom earning Rs 6,000 to working with Shah Rukh Khan, Allu Arjun, and her take on finding love again amid divorce: Hansika Motwani gets candid123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap NIFTEE 2026 Stage 2: Admit cards released; exam on April 26; what candidates must know Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case: Kannada actress set for release after 1 year; COFEPOSA detention ends, probe continues IPL 2026: 4 centuries, same date! Will RR continue April 22 magic vs LSG? H-1B visa holders harassed by influencers: Immigration attorneys say ‘don’t open the doors, you are not…’ Representative image NEW DELHI: At least six people were killed and several others were injured on Wednesday evening after a pickup van overturned in Gujarat’s Valsad district. According to the police, the van was carrying around 30 people from Girnara village to a wedding. Inspector DN Vanza of Karpada police station said that the vehicle overturned after the driver lost control of the wheel, killing three children, two women and a man, news agency PTI reported. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, the police said.This is a breaking story… Details awaited 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 MediaVideos‘Dot, Dot, Dot’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Pahalgam Attack AnniversaryFrom US To Israel: Global Leaders Mark One Year Of Pahalgam Terror AttackPappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political RowIAF Lands Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft on Purvanchal Expressway in Major Readiness DrillFast Fashion Explained: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes Will Shock YouMumbai Woman Blasts BJP Minister Over Traffic Chaos Caused By ‘Nari Shakti’ Rally: ‘Get Out of Here’How Upgraded L-70 Bofors Guns Emerged As India’s Key Defence Against Pakistan’s Drone WarfareRajnath Singh Hints At India’s Future Role In West Asia Peace EffortsUS Woman Alleges Sexual Assault At Karnataka Homestay, Owner Also ArrestedIndian Army Showcases Amphibious Combat Power in Bhuj; Creek Area Dominance on Display123PhotostoriesOTT Releases This Week (April 23–27): ‘If Wishes Could Kill’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Band Melam’, ‘Apex’ lead the slate3 mantras to chant everyday that are believed to bring peace, prosperity and divine protectionPresident Droupadi Murmu hosted South Korean President with royal Rajasthani feastMukul Chadda, Mallika Sarabhai, Smriti Kalra: Meet the IIM graduates who swapped corporate suits for movie scriptsSpiritual benefits of taking a holy dip in Ganga riverTop 5 premium residential areas of GhaziabadNavi Mumbai airport gets major connectivity boost with 2.7-km Stilt Bridge Route-98 traditional foods sun-dried in April for year-rounad enjoymentMumbai-Pune commute set for makeover with signal-free Atal Setu linkFrom earning Rs 6,000 to working with Shah Rukh Khan, Allu Arjun, and her take on finding love again amid divorce: Hansika Motwani gets candid123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLSG vs RR IPL MatchMohandas PaiSupreme CourtMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap