THE HEADLINES::
- Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi says, Centre has prioritised safety of Indians in conflict zones in West Asia; Addresses election rally in Palakkad, Keralam.
- Congress releases list of 284 candidates for West Bengal Assembly elections.
- In his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Prime Minister urges citizens to stay vigilant, trust only official information in view of West Asia crisis.
- Seventeen people killed, 26 injured as floods and landslides hit parts of Afghanistan.
- In IPL Cricket, match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders underway in Mumbai.
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Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi today said that the central government has prioritised the safety of Indians in conflict zones amidst the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has a sizeable number of people from Keralam. Addressing a campaign rally in Palakkad this afternoon, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s response to the West Asia conflict and said, India is closely monitoring the situation and actively working to minimise its impact on the country.
Prime Minister also launched a sharp attack on States’ dominant political parties, the Left Democratic Front and United Democratic Front, accusing them of trapping the state in a cycle of corruption.
The Prime Minister later reached Thrissur to hold a roadshow. He received a rousing welcome, energizing party workers. During the roadshow, he passed through Swaraj Round in a specially designed vehicle, greeting people gathered on both sides of the road.
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Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has dismissed allegations of a CPI (M)-SDPI deal for the upcoming Assembly elections as false. Addressing a public event in Tirur, he said, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is making such claims for political gain. Mr. Vijayan reiterated that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has consistently maintained a strong stance against communalism. He asserted that the government’s return to power was not due to gimmicks, but the result of its performance.
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Senior BJP leader Amit Shah today said, BJP has stopped the inflow of illegal immigrants into Assam and will work to deport them over the next five years. He was addressing an election rally at Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district this afternoon. Highlighting the achievements of the BJP government in the State, Mr. Shah said, over the past ten years, Assam has largely become free from insurgency which brought peace and new opportunities to the region.
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The Congress has released the list of 284 candidates for the upcoming Assembly Elections in West Bengal. The party has nominated former MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur, Pradip Prasad from Bhabanipur, former MP Mausam Noor from Malatipur, S K Jariatul Hossain from Nandigram, Shubhashish Bhattacharya from Panihati and Ranajit Mukherjee from Bidhannagar.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today launched an attack against the BJP in the run-up to the Assembly Elections. Addressing a public gathering in Purulia, she accused the opposition party of inciting riots. The Chief Minister also alleged that the BJP is attacking Bengali-speaking people in other states.
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In Puducherry, election campaigning has intensified with leaders of major political parties stepping up voter outreach across constituencies. Leaders and candidates carried out door-to-door campaigns and roadshows, reaching out to voters and explaining their poll agenda.
“Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, leading the NDA campaign, met voters in his home constituency and sought their support. He criticised the opposition alliance, stating that governance cannot be entrusted to parties that are unable to arrive at seat-sharing agreements. Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee President, V. Vaithilingam, MP, also carried out door-to-door campaigning in areas including Abdul Kalam Park, Kurinji Nagar and Tagore Nagar. AICC leader Supriya Shrinate is also coordinating campaign activities in the Union Territory. DMK State Secretary and Opposition Leader R. Siva intensified his campaign in Villianur. BJP leader A. Namassivayam, BJP State President V. P. Ramalingam and AIADMK State Secretary Anbalagan were also engaged in campaigning. In Lawspet constituency, CPI(M) candidate R. Rajangam led a roadshow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually interact with party workers from Assam and Puducherry tomorrow under the “Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot” initiative. BIBIN S NATH AKASHVANI NEWS, PUDUCHERRY.”
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In Assam, the Dhemaji Legislative Assembly Constituency, a Scheduled Tribe reserved seat, is set to go to polls along with the rest 125 Assembly seats of the state on the 9th of April 2026. The constituency is largely rural in nature, with agriculture as the primary livelihood, while recurring floods continue to be a major concern for voters.
“In Assam, following the 2023 delimitation exercise, Dhemaji Assembly Constituency in the upper Assam, presents a markedly changed electoral landscape this time. One of the most notable changes is the reduction in the size of the electorate. In 2021, before delimitation, the constituency had over 2 lakh 47 thousand voters and recorded a voter turnout of 77.47 percent. This time, the total electorate stands at 1 lakh 78 thousand 880, reflecting a significant decline. Despite this, the constituency retains its political importance. Interestingly, women voters now outnumber men, with 90 thousand 23 female voters compared to 88 thousand 857 male voters. The contest this time is six-cornered. Senior BJP leader and incumbent minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu is seeking re-election. He will face Sailen Sonowal of the Indian National Congress, Narendra Kumar Paw from All India Trinamool Congress, and three others. With key local issues and a diverse set of candidates, Dhemaji is poised for a closely watched electoral battle this time. Rakesh Doley, AKASHVANI NEWS, Guwahati.”
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin today released the DMK’s election manifesto, outlining a mix of welfare expansion and economic growth measures. Speaking at the party headquarters in Chennai, he asserted that the state should continue on its current development path. Mr.Stalin claimed that the DMK government has delivered on its promises and would build on existing schemes if re-elected.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed concern over the situation in West Asia saying that a crisis is emerging around the world regarding petrol and diesel. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Mr Modi said these are challenging times as the region is a major centre of India’s energy needs. He said India’s global relations, support from various countries, and the strengths New Delhi has built over the past decade have enabled India to confront these circumstances. Mr Modi appealed to all citizens to remain vigilant and not be misled by rumours. He said only the continuous information provided by the Government should be trusted.
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The government has said that adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at all petrol pumps across the country, and reiterated its advice to the public not to believe in rumours. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said excise duty on petrol and diesel has been reduced by 10 rupees per litre to support consumers.
The ministry said domestic LPG supply remains normal, with over 55 lakh cylinders delivered daily. It said, commercial LPG supply has reached about 70 percent of pre-crisis levels.
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The security situation in West Asia has escalated following reports of damage to a US military aircraft after an Iranian retaliatory strike in Saudi Arabia. According to US media, the strike targeted Prince Sultan Air Base, damaging an American E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft used for surveillance and battle management. At least 12 US personnel were reportedly injured, including two seriously. The attack is said to have involved ballistic missiles and drones.
Prince Sultan Air Base remains a key hub for US air operations in the region and has reportedly been targeted multiple times during the ongoing escalation.
Our West Asia Correspondent reports that Israel carried out fresh airstrikes on Tehran and other parts of Iran, targeting weapons sites and military infrastructure.
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In Chhattisgarh, one Maoist was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Polampalli police station area of Sukma district today. During a search of the site, the body of the Maoist along with weapons was recovered.
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In Afghanistan, 17 people have been killed and 26 others were injured after severe flooding, landslides, and thunderstorms struck parts of the country over the past 24 hours.
Authorities warned today that the death toll could rise as survey teams from the National Disaster Management Authority continue surveying the affected regions.
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Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal today met Ministers and Ambassadors of the Africa Group members on the sidelines of 14th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference, Yaoundé in Cameroon. In a social media post, Mr Goyal said that the discussions reaffirmed the deep-rooted civilisational and historical ties and trade relations between India and Africa. They also exchanged views on enhancing trade and the conference agenda. The Minister also held substantive talks on investments, including expanding India’s investments in Africa.
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Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu today inaugurated upgraded public facilities at 57 airports across the country via video conference from Rajkot International Airport. The facilities include Udaan Yatri Cafes, Digi Yatra systems, free Wi-Fi zones, kids’ areas, Flybraries, and infrastructure upgrade projects.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy Rainfall at isolated places of Jammu-Kashmir, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura tomorrow. Isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, and Central Maharashtra are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by hailstorms.
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The IPL Cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders were 212 for four in 19.1 overs against Mumbai Indians in a second match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, when reports last came in. Mumbai Indians have won the toss and opted to bowl. The two-month-long tournament will continue till 31st of May. Chennai Super Kings will take on Rajasthan Royals in their opening match tomorrow evening at 7:30 pm. Chennai Super Kings icon MS Dhoni is set to miss the first two weeks of the league due to a calf injury.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi says, Centre has prioritised safety of Indians in conflict zones in West Asia; Addresses election rally in Palakkad, Keralam.
- Congress releases list of 284 candidates for West Bengal Assembly elections.
- In his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Prime Minister urges citizens to stay vigilant, trust only official information in view of West Asia crisis.
- Seventeen people killed, 26 injured as floods and landslides hit parts of Afghanistan.
- In IPL Cricket, match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders underway in Mumbai.
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