BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath was shot dead in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district in a suspected planned attack, police said. Investigators believe the attackers followed Rath’s car before opening fire on Wednesday night. Police sources said around 10 rounds were fired. Rath suffered multiple bullet injuries and later died at a private hospital. His driver was also injured and remains critical at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. Police recovered bullet shells and are checking CCTV footage from nearby areas. Adhikari called it a “pre-planned murder” and urged BJP workers to maintain peace. The Trinamool Congress denied BJP allegations linked to the killing. (PC: India Today)

Kolkata Police banned bulldozers and earthmovers from victory rallies after BJP supporters allegedly used one during a New Market procession that targeted a Trinamool office following the Assembly election results. Police Commissioner Ajay Nand warned JCB owners against renting machines for political events, promising seizures and legal action. Eight people were arrested over the rally, while action was also announced against officers present at the scene. Authorities said more than 200 FIRs had been registered and 433 people arrested in connection with post-poll violence across Bengal within 48 hours. Over 50,000 central force personnel remain deployed statewide as police intensify surveillance, preventive arrests and intelligence coordination measures amid escalating political tensions.

Following the BJP’s sweeping victory in West Bengal, speculation has intensified over who will become the state’s first BJP chief minister. Amit Shah is expected to oversee the leadership selection process in Kolkata, with Suvendu Adhikari emerging as the strongest contender. Adhikari, who defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur and retained Nandigram, is viewed by many within the party as the face of the BJP’s Bengal breakthrough. Other names under discussion reportedly include Agnimitra Paul, Rupa Ganguly, Samik Bhattacharya, and Dilip Ghosh. (PC: PTI)

Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas, intensifying Bengal’s volatile post-election atmosphere. According to reports, motorcycle-borne attackers intercepted Rath’s SUV before opening fire at close range. Police recovered cartridges, live rounds, and seized a suspected crime vehicle carrying a reportedly fake number plate. Rath’s driver remains critically injured. BJP leaders termed the incident a “pre-planned political assassination,” while Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation. Forensic teams and investigators are examining CCTV footage as political tensions and allegations sharply escalate across the state. (PC: PTI)

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has strongly criticised its ally Congress for backing actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) after the 2026 Tamil Nadu election results. Calling the move a “betrayal,” DMK leaders said they “paid a high price for loyalty” despite their long-standing alliance with Congress. The controversy comes after TVK emerged as a major force, ending the traditional DMK-AIADMK dominance and reshaping the state’s political landscape. Congress’s decision to support Vijay has triggered tensions within opposition ranks, signalling a major realignment and raising questions about future alliances in Tamil Nadu politics. (PC: NDTV)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of deploying a “gunda vahini” to impersonate BJP workers and create unrest in West Bengal following the Assembly election results. The BJP alleged such actions were aimed at misleading the public and warned of strict legal action against those involved. The accusations come amid escalating post-poll tensions, with both parties trading charges of violence. TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, has countered by accusing BJP workers of assaulting civilians and questioned law-and-order enforcement. The situation highlights deep political friction in the state after the election outcome.

Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned as Assam Chief Minister following the BJP-led NDA’s decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, a routine constitutional step before forming a new government. He submitted his resignation along with his council of ministers to the Governor, who accepted it and asked him to continue as caretaker CM. The move paves the way for the formation of a fresh government, with Sarma expected to be sworn in again for a second term. The oath-taking ceremony is likely after May 11. The BJP secured a strong mandate, reinforcing Sarma’s leadership in Assam politics. (PC: ANI)

Mamata Banerjee plans to move the Supreme Court of India challenging alleged irregularities in the 2026 West Bengal elections. At a TMC meeting, she accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India of enabling a “stolen mandate.” Banerjee said she and Chandrima Bhattacharya would resume legal practice to fight the case. Refusing to resign, she framed her stance as protest and said the Centre may impose President’s Rule if it chooses. She also directed party leaders to stay active locally and observe May 9 with Rabindra Sangeet. (PC: X)

Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are likely to attend the oath ceremony of Bharatiya Janata Party’s first government in West Bengal on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground. The event coincides with Rabindra Jayanti, adding cultural symbolism. The timing is seen as a strategic move to align the party with Bengal’s cultural identity and counter narratives of being an outsider force. The ceremony marks a historic political shift, with the BJP forming government in the state for the first time after its decisive electoral victory. (PC: X)

Kolkata Police has banned the use of JCB machines in victory rallies and processions across West Bengal, citing escalating tensions after recent election-related unrest. Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nanda warned of strict legal action against owners renting out such machinery for celebratory events. The decision follows incidents involving bulldozers during post-poll celebrations, raising concerns over public safety and potential misuse. Authorities aim to prevent intimidation, property damage, and law-and-order disruptions. The move signals tighter enforcement measures as the administration seeks to stabilise the situation amid heightened political sensitivities across the state.