A day after polling concluded in West Bengal, starkly different strategies emerged between the two main contenders. Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party appeared confident, buoyed by favourable exit polls, with state chief Samik Bhattacharya engaging candidates and preparing for a possible victory. In contrast, the All India Trinamool Congress adopted a defensive posture, deploying workers to guard strongrooms and counting centres. Senior leaders Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh staged protests alleging suspicious activity around EVM storage. The developments underscore deep political mistrust as both sides gear up for the crucial vote counting on May 4.

A new exit poll by Today's Chanakya predicts a sweeping victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The survey projects around 192 seats (±11) for the BJP, comfortably above the majority mark of 148 in the 294-member House. The All India Trinamool Congress is estimated to secure about 100 seats, while others may win only a handful. The poll also suggests a significant rise in BJP’s vote share and a decline for TMC compared to previous elections. However, exit polls have a mixed accuracy record, and final results on May 4 will determine the actual outcome. (PC: X)

Political tensions escalated in Kolkata after leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress alleged suspicious activity at an EVM strongroom. Candidates Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh staged a sit-in, claiming the facility was opened without party representatives present and that unknown individuals were allowed inside. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the site and urged strict vigilance. However, officials from the Election Commission of India stated that EVM strongrooms remained sealed and secure, clarifying that only postal ballot processing was underway outside the storage area. The situation highlights rising mistrust ahead of counting day.

Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a strong warning to the United States, vowing to introduce new legal and administrative controls over the Strait of Hormuz. He accused Washington of destabilising the region and declared that foreign actors engaging in hostile actions would face severe consequences. Khamenei said Iran’s proposed management of the vital oil transit route would benefit regional stability and economic interests, while reducing reliance on external powers. The remarks come amid heightened tensions following a US-led blockade and ongoing conflict dynamics, raising concerns about global energy supply disruptions and further escalation in the Gulf region. (PC: X)

Mamata Banerjee has rejected exit poll projections for the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging they were “fabricated” by the Bharatiya Janata Party to demoralise workers. She urged members of the All India Trinamool Congress to stay vigilant, guard EVM strongrooms, and remain present at counting centres. Banerjee warned of possible attempts to tamper with electronic voting machines or manipulate data during counting. Despite the allegations, she expressed confidence that her party would retain power. The remarks come amid heightened political tensions and conflicting exit poll predictions, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4.

Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Guido Crosetto in New Delhi, urging Italy to avoid sharing sensitive defence technologies with Pakistan. India highlighted security concerns and emphasised the need for safeguarding strategic interests amid evolving regional dynamics. According to defence ministry sources, the Italian side assured that certain advanced technologies offered to India would remain exclusive and not be transferred to other nations. The discussions also focused on strengthening India-Italy defence cooperation, with an emphasis on trust, technology sharing frameworks, and long-term collaboration. The meeting underscores India’s efforts to secure strategic advantages while limiting potential risks from adversarial partnerships.

A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the All India Trinamool Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India of electoral malpractice. The TMC shared a video allegedly showing ballot boxes being opened inside a strongroom without authorised party representatives present. It also claimed attempts to influence the election had escalated from voter intimidation to possible electronic voting machine tampering. Protests have begun, with senior leaders staging demonstrations in Kolkata. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged party workers to monitor counting centres closely. The BJP and Election Commission have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.

The United States has returned 657 stolen antiquities valued at nearly $14 million to India following extensive investigations into international smuggling networks. The artefacts were recovered by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, with support from US Homeland Security, and formally handed over in New York. The operation targeted trafficking rings linked to art dealer Subhash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener, exposing large-scale cultural theft. Recovered items include rare sculptures such as Avalokiteshvara, Buddha, and Ganesha. Officials highlighted continued cooperation between India and the US, noting more efforts are underway to repatriate stolen heritage objects. (PC: Moneycontrol)

Rini Sampath, originally from Tamil Nadu, has become the first South Asian to qualify for the Washington, DC mayoral ballot, marking a historic milestone. Born in Theni, she moved to the United States at age seven and has lived in Washington, DC for over a decade. The 31-year-old government contractor secured ballot access after gathering over 4,500 signatures. Her campaign focuses on improving basic civic services, reducing living costs, and reforming governance. Sampath says her candidacy reflects growing South Asian representation and aims to inspire broader political participation. (PC: NDTV)

Exit polls for the 2026 Assembly elections indicate a strong performance by the BJP, especially in West Bengal and Assam. According to Today’s Chanakya, the BJP could win around 192 seats in Bengal, overtaking the TMC, though results remain contested. In Assam, the BJP-led alliance is projected to secure a decisive majority with about 100+ seats. Tamil Nadu is likely to remain with the DMK-led alliance, winning over 125 seats, while actor Vijay’s TVK emerges as a significant player. Kerala is expected to witness a close contest, with a slight edge to the UDF over the LDF. (PC: HT)