Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as a central figure for the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal after defeating Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. He had earlier beaten her in Nandigram in 2021. His latest win, by over 15,000 votes, strengthens his position in the party. Adhikari, once a close aide of Banerjee, joined BJP in 2020 after differences within the All India Trinamool Congress. His rise reflects BJP’s growing strength in the state. Party leaders have not announced a chief minister yet, but Adhikari is seen as a strong contender. (PC: NDTV)

In a major setback for the All India Trinamool Congress, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and 21 other ministers lost in the West Bengal elections. Out of 35 ministers, 22 were defeated, showing a sharp loss for the ruling leadership. Several senior leaders, including Aroop Biswas and Bratya Basu, also lost their seats. The defeats cut across key departments like education, housing, and transport. The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a strong win in the state. The results suggest voters rejected not just candidates but the government’s overall leadership and performance across regions. (PC: HT)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is preparing to stake claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu after his party fell short of a majority. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) held a meeting where MLAs elected him as leader and chief ministerial candidate. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is expected to invite the party to prove its numbers. TVK is exploring outside support but has ruled out alliances with DMK and BJP. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, will decide their stand soon.

A scene from The Greatest Of All Time featuring Vijay is going viral after his party’s strong debut in Tamil Nadu. In the clip, he drives a car with the number “TN 07 CM 2026”, seen by many as a hint at political plans. Vijay leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which has emerged as the single-largest party. Co-actor Premgi Amaren had earlier said, “Vijay will become the Chief Minister in 2026.” The party has 108 seats and is short of a majority, with talks of support from allies. (PC: NDTV)

Kalita Majhi won the Ausgram seat in West Bengal on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket. She defeated Shyama Prasanna Lahori by 12,535 votes. Majhi earlier worked as a domestic worker earning Rs 2,500 a month. She ran a door-to-door campaign and secured over one lakh votes. She has been active in politics for a decade and started as a booth worker. She lost in 2021 but was fielded again. Party leader BL Santhosh said the party “recognises talent and hard work”. Her win highlights the rise of grassroots leaders. (PC: NDTV)

The Bharatiya Janata Party said the new West Bengal government will take oath on May 9, marking Rabindra Jayanti. Party leader Samik Bhattacharya said the ceremony will take place on that day. The date, known as Pochishe Boishakh, marks the birth of Rabindranath Tagore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier linked the win to Tagore’s vision of a fearless Bengal. Officials will complete formal steps before the swearing-in. Governor RN Ravi is expected to invite outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to resign as per process. (PC: India Today)

Mamata Banerjee alleged serious irregularities in the Bhabanipur counting process after losing to Suvendu Adhikari by 15,105 votes. In a phone call shared by Kalyan Banerjee, she claimed “goons” entered counting centres, assaulted her, and removed TMC agents with support from officials and security forces. She also alleged EVM mishandling, lack of sealing, and denial of access during crucial final rounds. Calling the result a “stolen verdict” and “unethical dirty game,” Banerjee said evidence has been documented and the outcome will be legally challenged, intensifying the already volatile political confrontation in West Bengal following the high-stakes election. (PC: PTI)

Ratna Debnath, mother of the slain RG Kar doctor, described her electoral lead in Panihati as a “verdict for justice against injustice,” dedicating it to oppressed women in Bengal. Overcome with emotion at the counting centre, she said her political entry was unexpected and driven by her daughter’s tragedy. She credited Narendra Modi for choosing her candidacy. As her margin crossed 5,000, she vowed to continue her fight for justice while urging supporters to avoid violence. Calling herself a “protesting mother, not a politician,” Ratna said the mandate strengthens her resolve to seek justice for her daughter and other women. (PC: X)

Donald Trump warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks US vessels escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid a fragile ceasefire. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned the US and UAE against entering a “quagmire,” stressing that no military solution exists for the crisis. He criticised Trump’s “Project Freedom” maritime escort plan as ineffective. Tensions escalated as both sides reportedly exchanged fire, with the UAE also citing attacks. Trump claimed Iranian forces targeted ships, prompting US retaliation against small boats, while Washington continues military buildup, keeping the truce on the brink. (PC: X)

Suvendu Adhikari, after securing a significant victory in Bhabanipur, declared that the defeat of Mamata Banerjee would mark the end of her political career. He termed the win “very important” and said defeating Banerjee was crucial. Adhikari claimed she lost by over 15,000 votes. He further alleged that Muslim voters supported Banerjee openly in certain wards, while voters from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities backed him, leading to his victory. Framing the outcome as a decisive political shift, Adhikari asserted that the result signals Banerjee’s “retirement from politics,” highlighting the broader implications of the Bhabanipur contest in West Bengal’s evolving political landscape.