The Indian National Congress has raised concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise linked to changes in the Women’s Reservation Act. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge said it may have serious consequences and needs careful discussion. Rahul Gandhi warned that increasing seats could widen the gap between north and south India. Some leaders still support women’s reservation. The Centre plans to introduce related bills in Parliament on April 16. The Congress said it will consult opposition parties and decide a united strategy. (PC: INC India website)

Data from the Election Commission of India shows that in 44 West Bengal Assembly seats, deleted voters are more than the winning margins from the 2021 polls. These seats are spread across several districts. The Trinamool Congress won 24 of them, while the BJP secured 20.   In some constituencies, the gap is large. In Samserganj, over 74,000 voters were removed, while the victory margin was about 26,000. In Nandigram, more than 3,400 voters were deleted after a close contest.   Overall, 27.16 lakh voters were found “not eligible” after the Special Intensive Revision process monitored by the Supreme Court. (PC: The Indian Express)

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen has snapped its alliance with Humayun Kabir’s Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) following a major controversy over a viral video. The footage allegedly shows a man resembling Kabir discussing links with political rivals and strategies to influence elections, triggering a political storm in West Bengal. Kabir has denied the claims, calling the video fake and politically motivated. The split comes just ahead of the state assembly elections, potentially impacting minority vote dynamics and reshaping electoral strategies as parties reassess alliances. (PC: X)

Voting is underway in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry for the 2026 Assembly elections. Polling began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm. By 1 pm, Assam recorded 59.63% turnout, the highest among the three. Puducherry followed with 56.83%, while Kerala saw 49.7% voting. Officials said polling has been smooth and peaceful so far. In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking another term, facing a challenge led by Gaurav Gogoi. In Kerala, the contest is mainly between the Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan and the Congress-led opposition. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission has warned the Trinamool Congress to ensure peaceful elections in West Bengal. It said polls must be free from fear, violence and intimidation. The EC also warned against booth capturing and jamming. The message was shared as “straight-talk” on social media. TMC leaders criticised the warning and accused the EC of bias. The party also raised concerns over voter deletions and officer transfers. Past elections in the state have seen high levels of violence. Voting will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Results are scheduled to be announced on May 4. (PC: PTI)

Political tensions rose in West Bengal ahead of elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of poor law and order. He called it “maha jungle raj” and cited a Malda incident. He said people are not safe under the state government. Modi also warned of action after May 4. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back strongly. She urged voters to “take revenge” over alleged deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. She said names were removed unfairly. Banerjee questioned the SIR process and accused the BJP of spreading fear. Voting will be held in two phases. (PC: ANI/PTI)

Raghav Chadha has responded to criticism from Aam Aadmi Party leaders in Punjab, sharing a video of his speeches in the Rajya Sabha. He rejected claims that he failed to raise Punjab’s issues. “Punjab isn’t a talking point for me,” he said. Party leaders had accused him of not highlighting key concerns like GST losses and pending funds. The row follows his removal as Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha. The leadership also asked that he not be given speaking time. The dispute signals rising tension within AAP, with Chadha becoming the second MP after Swati Maliwal to face internal differences. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised Congress over its remarks on the West Asia conflict. Speaking in Kerala, he said the party has “betrayed” the trust of people working in Gulf countries. He warned that such comments could risk the safety of Indians abroad. Modi said “irresponsible statements” may harm India’s relations with West Asian nations. He added that strong diplomatic ties are helping protect Indian citizens. The government is also working to bring back stranded fishermen from Iran and nearby regions. The remarks come ahead of the Kerala assembly elections, with campaigning intensifying across the state before voting on April 9.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Raghav Chadha from his position as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing him with Ashok Mittal and informing the Secretariat not to allot him speaking time in Parliament, signalling a major leadership shift. The party describes the move as internal restructuring, but critics tie it to Chadha’s perceived distance from core AAP leadership. In his first public response, Chadha asked if raising public issues in Parliament was a “crime,” calling himself “silenced, not defeated.” The change has fuelled speculation about internal tensions within AAP’s ranks.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Raghav Chadha from the post of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and nominated Ashok Mittal as his replacement. The party informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and also requested that Chadha no longer be allotted speaking time from its quota in the House. The move signals a significant shift in AAP’s parliamentary strategy and leadership structure. While no official reason has been given, the reshuffle has sparked speculation about internal dynamics within the party. Mittal’s appointment is seen as part of a broader organisational recalibration ahead of upcoming political challenges. (PC: PTI)