Assembly Election 2026 Highlights: TVK chief Vijay cleared to campaign in Puducherry, to hold rallies tomorrow

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam announced that Vijay will campaign in Puducherry on April 4 after Election Commission approval. Events are scheduled across three locations between 10 am and 1 pm. Arrangements include water and medical aid, while strict limits cap attendance at 5,000. Supporters are advised not to follow the campaign vehicle, and vulnerable groups are urged to avoid crowds and watch via live broadcasts.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said discussions were held with Christian missionaries in Kerala, addressing their concerns over FCRA through dialogue. He accused Congress and Communist parties of spreading misinformation about the government’s intent, asserting no bias against any religion or caste, and warned they would be exposed if such claims continue.

-ANI

BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced an unresponsive crowd while asking about participation in an SIR queue. According to him, repeated questions were met with silence, creating an awkward pause. Even as party leaders prompted attendees to respond, the crowd remained disengaged, which he described as a visible disconnect between Banerjee and the issue she raised.

In a show of strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, an Election Commission flying squad on Friday stopped and inspected the convoy of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin while he was travelling to Tirunelveli for Assembly election campaigning. Officials halted the convoy at a checkpoint and conducted a routine search of the vehicle and baggage. Stalin, who also heads the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, cooperated fully. After no violations were found, the convoy was allowed to proceed, reflecting heightened poll vigilance.

-PTI

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya campaigns ahead of the Keralam Elections 2026. He praised Annamalai as the party’s most popular leader beyond Tamil Nadu, highlighting his widespread support across India. He said Annamalai is actively campaigning in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, expressing confidence that his popularity will help BJP candidates secure significant victories in the upcoming elections.

-ANI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, after addressing an election rally in Assam, said people of Palashbari are ready to vote for a brighter future with the BJP, contrasting it with alleged neglect during Congress rule.

He claimed the BJP transformed the region by improving infrastructure and turning it into a hub of learning and opportunities, while addressing a large rally and urging support under the "Double Engine" government vision.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal addressed a public gathering in Assam's Jengrai, Majuli, backing BJP nominee Bhuban Gam and urging voters to support the party in the upcoming polls.

-ANI

The Election Commission of India has ordered the immediate suspension of Jyotsna Khatun, Joint BDO of Khandaghosh, and initiated disciplinary action ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Acting on the Chief Electoral Officer’s recommendation, the Commission directed swift compliance and sought a replacement proposal, underscoring strict enforcement of poll-related administrative accountability and neutrality.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin arrived at Thoothukudi Airport to participate in DMK campaign rallies across Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

-ANI

CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat, while holding a roadshow in Kozhikode district, said, "LDF is coming back for the third time with the support of the people". 

The Election Commission of India has taken serious note of security deployment in West Bengal, where 2,185 police personnel were assigned to 832 individuals linked to the Trinamool Congress and 144 others. The EC directed the state DGP to conduct a fair, professional review within 2–3 days to ensure equitable allocation.

-Aishwarya Paliwal input

Campaigning for the NDA in Assam, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Congress and its allies of creating an identity crisis in Assam through appeasement and infiltration. He said BJP governments under Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma preserved Assamese culture and identity while driving visible development across the state under Narendra Modi’s leadership.

-ANI

Trinamool Congress leader Shashi Panja said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee exposed BJP’s alleged links to the Malda incident, PTI reported. She claimed authorities allowed the prime accused to flee from Bagdogra Airport, but the CID later arrested him during the probe into the gherao of judicial officials.