Kerala elections 2026: 5 factors that could decide the verdict

Kerala gears up for a pivotal assembly election as the LDF seeks a rare third consecutive term under CM Pinarayi Vijayan. Key factors influencing the outcome include Vijayan’s leadership, development promises versus pushback, the BJP’s growing influence, job aspirations of young voters, and complex community equations. …

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‘Rattled Congress’: Rajeev Chandrasekhar clarifies assets charge, says INDIA bloc inevitable in Kerala

BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar dismissed Congress allegations of asset non-disclosure as a “desperate effort” by a “scared” opposition. He predicted a political realignment in Kerala, stating the next elections will see the Congress and LDF unite as the INDIA bloc against the NDA. Kerala will vote in a single phase…

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CEC’s response was ‘get lost’: TMC’s Derek O’Brien details ‘7‑minute’ meeting with Gyanesh Kumar

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of partisanship and corruption after a brief meeting. The party alleged their delegation was dismissed abruptly and that the EC had ignored nine letters from Mamata Banerjee. The TMC also presented evidence of alleged BJP links among Bengal officials, demanding…

View More CEC’s response was ‘get lost’: TMC’s Derek O’Brien details ‘7‑minute’ meeting with Gyanesh Kumar

Bengal poll battle heats up: EC and TMC exchange ‘straight talk’

The Election Commission of India has assured that the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections will be conducted without fear, violence, or intimidation. This statement follows a meeting with the TMC, which accused the ECI of bias towards the BJP and alleged systematic disenfranchisement of voters through electoral roll revisions. …

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‘Self-styled vishwaguru stands exposed’: Congress targets PM Modi over Iran-US ceasefire

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized PM Modi’s foreign policy, questioning the timing of his Israel visit before military action against Iran and the perceived failure of Operation Sindoor’s global outreach. Ramesh argued that Pakistan’s role in a ceasefire undermined Modi’s personalized diplomacy and his strategy to isolate Islamabad, contrasting it…

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Facing cost pressure, AC cos signal price hikes

India’s room air-conditioner market faces price hikes due to rising commodity costs and stricter energy-efficiency norms, with manufacturers indicating further increases. Despite a challenging year and volatile demand, companies are optimistic about long-term growth, projecting the market to nearly double by FY30. …

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Construction, award of highway projects at 7-year low in 2025-26

Highway construction and new project awards in 2025-26 hit a seven-year low, with less than 10,000 km built and only 7,000 km awarded. This decline is attributed to stricter land availability pre-conditions and fewer state highways being converted to National Highways. Agencies are prioritizing economic corridors and expressways to avoid…

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Justice B V Nagarathna: Women cannot be ‘untouchables’ for 3 days every month

Justice B.V. Nagarathna strongly criticized the historical practice of isolating menstruating women, deeming it a form of “untouchability.” While hearing arguments on the Sabarimala temple entry ban, she questioned the validity of such social customs. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered, arguing the deity’s unique attributes and devotees’ faith should not…

View More Justice B V Nagarathna: Women cannot be ‘untouchables’ for 3 days every month

Empty cylinders drive migrants back home

Soaring LPG prices are forcing migrant workers back to Bihar. Families are disembarking at Patna Junction, their journeys driven by unaffordable cooking gas in cities. Construction workers and factory hands cite exorbitant costs, with some stating two days’ wages barely cover a kilogram of LPG. This exodus highlights the severe…

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Rahul Gandhi’s absence fuels alliance friction buzz

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made multiple visits to Tamil Nadu for campaigning, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s absence has fueled speculation about discord within the Congress-DMK alliance. Gandhi’s recent campaign in Puducherry also saw him avoid mentioning DMK leader M.K. Stalin, suggesting underlying friction between the parties. …

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Amit Shah slams Mallikarjun Kharge for likening BJP-RSS to ‘snake’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly condemned Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s “illiterate” jibe at BJP supporters and his venomous snake analogy for the RSS and BJP. Shah asserted that such remarks are undemocratic and urged voters to decisively defeat the Congress in upcoming elections, stating the party has become a…

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Amid Iran war, government extends freeze on channel TRPs

Television rating points for news channels have been suspended for another four weeks by the information and broadcasting ministry. This decision, citing concerns over sensationalizing the West Asia conflict, aims to curb unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content. The move, following a previous suspension linked to alleged manipulation, signals increased regulatory…

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Appellate tribunal accepts Aadhaar card in first SIR appeal

An appellate tribunal ruled that Motab Shaikh and Motab Herul are the same person, accepting his Aadhaar card as proof of identity after the Election Commission failed to provide reasons for his exclusion. The tribunal noted discrepancies in voter lists and relied on supporting documents like Aadhaar, passport, and driving…

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History books can’t prove title, says Jammu & Kashmir HC; declares two shrines & attached properties in Kishtwar as waqf

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ruled two Kishtwar shrines and their properties as waqf, denying ownership rights to petitioners claiming hereditary custodianship. The court emphasized that property titles must be based on evidence, not public history, dismissing reliance on historical texts for ownership claims. …

View More History books can’t prove title, says Jammu & Kashmir HC; declares two shrines & attached properties in Kishtwar as waqf