Bengal Phase 2 poll campaign ends; India dominates global heat list; more
Campaigning for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections has concluded as 142 constituencies, including Bhabanipur and Panihati, prepare for voting on April 29.
US Defence Secretary warns Iran: What next in West Asia war?
UPDATED: Mar 31, 2026 20:42 IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Congress party, accusing it of spreading fear and making dangerous statements regarding the West Asia conflict for political gain. Concurrently, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has intensified messaging toward Iran, stating that the coming days will be decisive and urging Tehran to negotiate to avoid further escalation, which could include "boots on the ground." Hegseth noted that American firepower in the Middle East is increasing. In domestic Indian politics, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress have alleged large-scale voter list manipulation ahead of state elections. They accuse the BJP of attempting to add ineligible voters from other states while deleting legitimate ones, a charge the BJP denies. The Calcutta High Court has upheld the Election Commission's jurisdiction to oversee the electoral roll revision process.
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Bengal polls: Will Muslim factor shape Kolkata's fate? Tracking the pulse of voters
As West Bengal gears up for the second and final phase of assembly elections, India Today's Mausami Singh brings this ground report from Kolkata tracking the pulse of Muslim voters, their aspirations and more.
Mamata Banerjee holds padayatra in Kolkata on last day of campaigning
The phase two election campaigning in Bengal concludes with a massive fourteen-kilometer march led by the state Chief Minister. The roadshow covers four key constituencies in South Kolkata, including a highly contested seat where the Chief Minister is seeking a crucial victory. This election is described as a significant survival battle for the ruling party, facing tough competition from the primary opposition following recent controversies. The ruling party relies heavily on welfare schemes targeting women and youth to secure votes in diverse constituencies with mixed demographics. Meanwhile, the opposition claims they will secure a majority, making this one of the most fiercely contested elections in the state. The final results, which will determine if the current leadership secures a fourth term, are scheduled to be announced early next month. The intense campaigning highlights the critical importance of the upcoming polling phase for the political future of the state.
BJP will win Bhabanipur, will form government with huge majority: Amit Shah
As the election campaign in West Bengal comes to a close, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed strong confidence in the BJP forming the government in the state with massive majority.