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.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India from May 24–26 for bilateral discussions and the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. According to reports, Rubio will meet S. Jaishankar, Ajit Doval, and call on Narendra Modi. The visit comes amid efforts to stabilise India-US relations following friction over tariffs and sanctions. Sergio Gor said Washington values its growing strategic partnership with India. The Quad meeting is expected to focus on Indo-Pacific security, economic coordination, and regional geopolitical challenges. (PC: AP)

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)

On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army released a video calling India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack “resolute, calibrated and precise.” The operation, launched on May 7 last year, targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including bases linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India said over 100 terrorists were eliminated. The strikes triggered a brief military escalation with Pakistan before a ceasefire understanding on May 10. Narendra Modi later described Operation Sindoor as India’s “new normal” against terrorism.

Donald Trump said the ongoing US conflict with Iran was progressing “unbelievably well,” comparing it to previous US actions in Venezuela. Speaking at White House events and later in the Oval Office, Trump described the conflict as more of a “skirmish” than a full-scale war and claimed negotiations with Tehran were advancing positively. He said Iran “wants to make a deal” and indicated recent talks had gone “very smoothly.” Trump also warned that if the US withdrew now, Iran could take decades to recover. Reports suggest Washington and Tehran are exploring a preliminary framework agreement tied to sanctions relief, maritime access, and temporary limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.

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)

Iran has said it will only accept a “fair and comprehensive agreement” in negotiations with the United States to end the ongoing Middle East conflict, signalling cautious openness to diplomacy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that any deal must protect the country’s rights and interests. This comes as reports indicate both sides are nearing a preliminary 14-point framework to halt hostilities and begin broader negotiations on contentious issues like Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions. However, key disagreements remain, and Iran has expressed skepticism about US proposals, insisting on a balanced outcome. Despite tensions, diplomatic progress has raised hopes of a ceasefire and eased global market concerns. (PC: WION)