The Election Commission of India has released booth-wise data for the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, showing that Mamata Banerjee trailed in 207 of 267 booths in Bhabanipur. In 28 booths, she received 50 votes or fewer, including just 12 votes in Booth 227. Suvendu Adhikari led in most booths and won the constituency by 15,105 votes. Mamata secured 58,812 votes, while Suvendu polled 73,917, according to the Commission’s figures. (PC: Anandabazar)

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly trailed in 207 out of 267 booths in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, according to Election Commission booth-wise data. Several booths recorded fewer than 50 votes for her, with Booth No. 227 showing only 12 votes in her favour. Bhabanipur, once considered Mamata Banerjee’s political stronghold, saw a dramatic reversal in 2026. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated her by 15,105 votes. The report states that Mamata received 50 or fewer votes in 28 booths, while Suvendu recorded 50 or fewer votes in 39 booths. Overall, Suvendu led in 207 booths, whereas Mamata led in only 60 booths. The article also contrasts the result with the 2021 Bhabanipur bypoll, where Mamata had won by over 58,000 votes. In 2026, she secured 58,812 votes, while Suvendu received 73,917 votes. (PC: X)

The West Bengal government has decided to discontinue religion-based stipend schemes for imams and purohits, marking a major policy shift under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The decision was taken during the BJP government’s second cabinet meeting, where Adhikari stated that taxpayer money should prioritise education and welfare over religious allowances. The cabinet simultaneously approved a new financial assistance scheme for women and free bus travel for women across the state. The move has triggered sharp political reactions, with supporters describing it as an end to “appeasement politics” while critics are expected to question its social and electoral implications. The government indicated that scholarship and education-focused initiatives would now receive greater policy emphasis instead of direct religious stipen

The West Bengal government led by Suvendu Adhikari has decided to phase out religion-based assistance schemes under the Madarsa and Information & Cultural Affairs departments after its second cabinet meeting. Existing projects will continue till the end of May before being discontinued.   The cabinet also approved the “Annapurna Yojana”, promising Rs 3,000 monthly assistance for women from June 1. Women already receiving benefits under Lakshmi Bhandar will be automatically included, while a new portal will help fresh applicants. The government further announced free bus travel for women across the state from June 1 as part of its early governance measures. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader V D Satheesan took oath as Kerala Chief Minister on Monday at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade. Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet.   Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attended the ceremony. The Cabinet includes leaders from Congress, IUML and allied parties. Satheesan also announced austerity measures, including reducing VIP convoy culture and reusing government vehicles. The UDF won 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, while the Congress emerged as the single-largest party with 63 seats. (PC: NDTV)

Trinamool Congress leaders Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad have joined the satirical online platform ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ after Chief Justice Surya Kant’s remarks comparing some youngsters to “cockroaches” triggered backlash. The unofficial digital movement emerged on X and quickly gained thousands of followers. Kirti Azad and Mahua Moitra publicly expressed interest in joining the platform, which describes itself as a voice for unemployed and chronically online youth. Amid criticism, the Chief Justice later clarified that his remarks were aimed at people using fake degrees and not unemployed youth, calling reports suggesting otherwise “totally baseless”. (PC: HT)

Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan on Sunday announced a 21-member Cabinet in Kerala. The full United Democratic Front government will take oath at 10 am on Monday. Satheesan said, “After 60 years, the entire UDF cabinet is set to take the oath together.” The Indian National Congress will have 11 ministers. Other allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League, also received Cabinet positions. Satheesan said the list was prepared with social and regional balance in mind. Portfolio discussions are nearly complete.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has appealed to the public to give newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at least six months before judging his administration’s performance. During a recent meeting with Vijay, Kamal Haasan congratulated him and submitted six demands aimed at supporting the struggling Tamil film industry, including anti-piracy measures and a state-backed OTT platform. He emphasized that Vijay should now be viewed beyond his film-star image and respected as a political leader handling major responsibilities. Vijay recently took oath after his party, TVK, secured a historic electoral victory in Tamil Nadu. (PC: HT)

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is close to finalising Kerala’s new cabinet ahead of Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan taking oath on Monday. Sources said the Congress is likely to get 12 cabinet berths, including the chief minister’s post, while ally Indian Union Muslim League may receive five seats. Chandy Oommen, son of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, is also expected to be inducted. Other UDF allies, including RSP, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Jacob) and CMP, are likely to get one berth each. Senior Congress leaders are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram.

Mamata Banerjee appeared in lawyer’s robes at the Calcutta High Court to argue a petition alleging post-poll violence against All India Trinamool Congress workers and minorities in BJP-ruled Bengal. Addressing a bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, she accused the administration of failing to prevent attacks, illegal demolitions and forced displacement. The court directed police to ensure safe return of citizens allegedly driven from homes and businesses. While leaving the court premises, Mamata was heckled with “chor” slogans by lawyers reportedly linked to the BJP and later alleged physical assault. Samik Bhattacharya denied party involvement in the incident. (PC: X)