In this edition of Election Despatch, India Today's ground report from Murshidabad explores the political climate ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections. The ruling party seeks a historic fourth consecutive term, while the opposition aims to capitalise on fifteen years of anti-incumbency. A major flashpoint is the Special Intensive Roll Revision (SIR), which has resulted in the deletion of over 91 lakh voters across the state. Murshidabad district has recorded the highest number of deletions, affecting both majority and minority communities. Local residents, including a descendant of a former royal family and members of the Matua community, express frustration over their exclusion from the electoral rolls despite possessing valid documents. The Supreme Court has ruled that while affected individuals can appeal to tribunals, their names will not appear on the frozen rolls for the upcoming elections. The report highlights widespread resentment, administrative confusion, and growing polarisation as disenfranchised citizens demand the restoration of their voting rights ahead of a highly contested electoral battle.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, National Testing Agency (NTA) Chief Abhishek Singh addressed the recent cancellation of the NEET examination, which affected over 22.7 lakh students.
The Tamil Nadu government faces political turbulence as Chief Minister Vijay appoints a personal astrologer as an Officer on Special Duty, drawing criticism over administrative credentials. Ahead of a crucial assembly floor test, thirty rebel AIADMK MLAs led by S.P. Velumani and C.V. Shanmugham have pledged support to the TVK-led government, officially severing ties with the BJP. During the session, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his controversial stance on Sanatana Dharma. Administratively, the state announced the closure of seven hundred liquor shops near schools and temples, alongside new bans on political hoardings and the creation of women's safety task forces. In Kerala, a leadership struggle for the Chief Minister post has emerged between K.C. Venugopal and V.D. Satheesan following the UDF election victory. Meanwhile, in Telangana, a POCSO case was filed against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bandi Sai Bhagirath. The broadcast also confirmed the return of actor Mohanlal for the third installment of the Drishyam film franchise.
The National Testing Agency has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 medical entrance examination following widespread allegations of a paper leak.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG examination, which impacts over 2.2 million medical aspirants, following widespread allegations of a paper leak.
