Voting in West Bengal’s final phase crossed 61% by early afternoon amid reports of tension and complaints. A BJP candidate, the mother of the RG Kar victim, alleged, “TMC workers… attacked me while shouting ‘go back’.” The Bharatiya Janata Party also claimed its symbol was blocked on EVMs in some booths. The Trinamool Congress denied the charges. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused central forces of acting for the BJP. Officials said polling was largely peaceful despite incidents. Repolling in some booths is being considered as authorities review complaints. (PC: HT)

Tensions rose during Phase 2 voting in West Bengal as Suvendu Adhikari faced off with Trinamool Congress supporters outside a booth in Bhabanipur. Supporters raised “Joy Bangla” slogans, while Adhikari responded with “Jai Shri Ram.” He also called the crowd “outsiders.” Security forces used mild force to disperse the gathering. Elsewhere, reports of clashes, EVM issues and vandalism came from several districts. A BJP agent was allegedly attacked in Nadia, while protests were reported in Howrah after a voting delay. Officials said polling remained largely peaceful despite scattered incidents. (PC: X)

JD Vance has raised concerns that Donald Trump may not be getting full facts on the Iran war, a report said. In private meetings, he questioned claims made by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth about US success. Officials said Vance asked if the “rosy portrayal” of the war was accurate. He also raised concerns about falling missile stockpiles. Publicly, Vance has praised Hegseth, saying he is “doing a great job.” Reports suggest he is avoiding direct conflict but wants clarity on strategy. Some officials believe the briefings may be overly positive. (PC: NDTV)

Narendra Modi said high voter turnout in West Bengal shows people are voting “without fear” and points to a BJP win. He said large crowds at polling booths reflect a desire to remove the Trinamool Congress. “Voting in Bengal is taking place in a fearless atmosphere, unimaginable in the last six or seven decades,” he said. He added that such participation strengthens democracy. Modi urged voters to continue coming out in large numbers. The Bharatiya Janata Party is hoping high turnout will help it form the government. Results will be declared on May 4. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said King Charles III agrees that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. Speaking at a White House dinner, Trump said, “Charles agrees with me — even more than I do.” Buckingham Palace later said the King follows the UK government’s long-standing position against nuclear weapons for Iran. It added he is “naturally mindful” of that policy. The dinner was part of efforts to strengthen ties between the US and UK. Charles also spoke about the importance of NATO and global cooperation during his visit. (PC: BBC)

Phase 2 voting in West Bengal saw EVM glitches, clashes and sharp exchanges between leaders. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari reached the same booth in Bhabanipur and traded barbs. Banerjee alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to “rig” polls, while BJP accused the Trinamool Congress of violence. EVM malfunction in Howrah led to protests and arrests. A BJP agent was allegedly attacked in Nadia. TMC MP Derek O'Brien challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign if TMC wins. Both sides also traded claims of voter intimidation. (PC: HT)

Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre’s Great Nicobar project, calling it a “crime against nature” and tribal communities. Visiting the island, he said, “What I have seen is not a project.” He added that “millions of trees” would be cut and “160 sq km of rainforest” destroyed. He also said local communities were being ignored and displaced. The project aims to build a major port and infrastructure hub. It has received approval from the National Green Tribunal. Supporters say it will boost trade and security, while critics warn of damage to biodiversity and tribal life. (PC: India Today)

Voting in West Bengal’s final phase saw protests over alleged “EVM glitches” and delays at several booths. Clashes were reported in Bally, Baranagar and Hooghly. Nearly 40% turnout was recorded by 11 am. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused central forces of acting “as per the BJP’s directions” and showed a clip of an injured party worker. The Bharatiya Janata Party and Trinamool Congress traded charges during polling. In Bally, two people were detained after a clash. Heavy security was deployed across booths. Over 1,400 candidates are in the fray across 142 seats in South Bengal. (PC: HT)

Kim Jong Un praised North Korean troops who killed themselves to avoid capture during fighting in Ukraine. Speaking in Pyongyang, he said those who “opted for self-blasting… to defend the great honour” were “heroes”. Reports say North Korean soldiers were sent to support Russia in the war. South Korea estimates over 15,000 troops were deployed and more than 6,000 killed. Neither Russia nor North Korea confirmed the figures. Intelligence reports suggest soldiers were told to avoid capture. A captured soldier earlier said, “Everyone else blew themselves up. I failed.” Kim described such acts as the “height of loyalty”. (PC: BBC)

The Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Trinamool Congress of poll malpractice during Bengal voting. BJP leader Amit Malviya said the party’s voting option was “blocked using a tape” in booths in Falta, Diamond Harbour. He called it the “Diamond Harbour Model” and sought repolling in affected booths. The area is linked to Abhishek Banerjee. The TMC denied the charge. Spokesperson Riju Dutta said, “We are not doing it,” and blamed election officials. State election chief Manoj Agarwal said action is being taken on complaints. (PC: NDTV)