Voting began in 152 seats of West Bengal in phase one, with a direct fight between the TMC and BJP. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible in this phase. The BJP ran a campaign on nationalism and corruption claims. The TMC focused on welfare schemes and Bengali identity. It also questioned voter roll changes, saying deletions affected lakhs. Women voters remain key, with both sides promising cash support.   In Tamil Nadu, all 234 seats are voting in one phase. The DMK, AIADMK-BJP alliance, and Vijay’s TVK are in a three-way contest. The DMK highlighted governance, while TVK targeted young voters. (PC: India Today)

Mamata Banerjee’s Lakshmir Bhandar scheme remains a key issue in north Bengal before voting. Many women said the monthly aid helps daily needs. “We trust Mamata because she has already given it,” one worker said. The Bharatiya Janata Party has promised ₹3,000 per month, but some voters doubt delivery. At the same time, TMC claims that BJP may ban fish and meat have sparked debate. Some residents fear change in food habits, while others reject the claim. Views remain divided across areas like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri ahead of polling. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark about Narendra Modi. The action came after a BJP delegation, including Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal, met the poll panel and raised a complaint. The EC said the remark may violate election rules and asked Kharge to reply within 24 hours. Kharge later said he meant Modi was “terrorising people and political parties.” He also denied calling the Prime Minister a terrorist. (PC: NDTV)

The Election Commission has told hotels in Bengal’s coastal areas not to host non-local visitors before polling. The order applies from April 21 evening till voting ends on April 23. It has been strictly enforced in Digha and Mandarmani. Officials said the move aims to stop “outsiders” from entering as tourists and causing unrest. Police used announcements to ask tourists to leave and warned of checks. Hotels said such orders were seen earlier but never enforced so tightly. The directive, along with curbs on bikes and confusion over a longer liquor ban, has triggered political tension in the state. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission of India will examine a complaint by Opposition parties against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his April 18 address. Leaders from Left parties and others wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging the speech violated the Model Code of Conduct. Sources said the matter will be reviewed by the Commission’s code division. The poll code has been in force since March 15. CPI(M) leader M A Baby said using a public broadcaster during elections “creates an uneven playing field”. Around 700 citizens also filed similar complaints. (PC: X)

Mallikarjun Kharge called Narendra Modi a “terrorist” during a press meet, sparking sharp reactions. He later clarified, saying, “I never said he is a terrorist. He is terrorising people and political parties.” Kharge said institutions like ED, CBI, and I-T are being misused. The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly criticised the remark and demanded an apology. Union Minister Piyush Goyal called it an insult to the Prime Minister and the people of India. The issue has triggered a fresh political row ahead of upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu.

The Election Commission of India has set strict rules on two-wheelers in West Bengal before the Assembly polls. Bike rallies are banned. Riding bikes at night, from 6 pm to 6 am, is not allowed. During the day, pillion riding is also restricted. Only essential travel is allowed, like medical needs or school trips. On voting day, family members can ride together for voting. People must take police permission for any exemption. The rules aim to stop fear and ensure fair voting. Polling for the first phase will take place on April 23 across 152 constituencies.

The Trinamool Congress has criticised a large meeting of central armed police forces in Kolkata ahead of the Bengal Assembly election. Chiefs of CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB attended the gathering at Science City. TMC leaders said the scale of the meeting looked like plans for a “military-style takeover”. MP Mahua Moitra alleged forces were being moved from other sensitive areas to Bengal. Around 2.4 lakh central personnel have been deployed for the polls. Officials said the meeting was held to build a strong and technology-driven security plan for voting. (PC: India Today)

Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a political row after calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist” while attacking the AIADMK-BJP alliance ahead of the Tamil Nadu election. Speaking in Chennai, Kharge questioned why AIADMK had joined hands with Modi and the BJP. Later, he said he meant Modi “threatens” and “terrorises” opponents through central agencies. The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly criticised the remark. Union Minister Piyush Goyal asked Kharge to apologise. The controversy came days before Tamil Nadu votes on April 23. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader KC Venugopal has submitted a privilege notice to Lok Sabha Speaker against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over remarks made during his address to the nation. The party said Modi made comments that cast aspersions on Members of Parliament. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister spoke after facing “absolute Opposition unity and solidarity” in the Lok Sabha. He also said a Prime Minister’s national address should be used for unity and confidence. Ramesh alleged that Modi made 59 attacks on the Congress party during the speech. The Prime Minister addressed the nation on Saturday. (PC: HT)