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Kolkata, April 15 (IANS) On the occasion of the Bengali New Year, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the people of the poll-bound Bengal to resist what she described as the Centre’s high-handedness and to uphold the state’s tradition of communal harmony.

“I extend my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the Bengali New Year to the people across the state. May each of your lives be free from sorrow at the dawn of this new year. May every soul be filled with purity in this call of the new,” Banerjee wrote in a post on X.

She urged citizens to respond democratically to what she alleged were attempts by the Centre to curtail voting rights.

“Just as our Bengal is a seat of art and culture, it is also a land of harmony among all religions. Some evil forces have risen to corrupt this Bengal. The rulers in Delhi are taking away the voting rights of the people. Remember, they will have to be answered democratically,” she said.

Banerjee also called upon people to take a pledge to resist divisive and autocratic tendencies.

“On this auspicious day, let us collectively take an oath. We will break the walls of all kinds of narrow-mindedness and move forward. May no divisive or autocratic force be able to break our eternal peace, traditional harmony, and bonds of friendship,” she said.

She concluded with an appeal to voters to support Trinamool Congress candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

“May everyone be well and healthy. To uphold your democratic rights in the upcoming Assembly elections, vote for the ‘double flower’ symbol and ensure that all Trinamool Congress candidates win with a huge margin,” she added.

A sharp war of words has intensified between Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the 2026 polls in West Bengal.

Banerjee has accused the BJP of undermining democracy, while the BJP has hit back with alleged large-scale infiltration and poor governance, turning the campaign into a high-pitched and deeply polarised political confrontation.

–IANS

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Patna, April 15 (IANS) A historic political shift has taken place in Bihar with Samrat Choudhary taking oath as the 24th Chief Minister of the state, marking the first time a BJP-led government has been formed in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhawan, where Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath of office and secrecy to Samrat Choudhary.

Shortly thereafter, senior JD(U) leaders Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Vijendra Prasad Yadav were also sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers under the alliance arrangement.

Before taking the oath, Samrat Choudhary visited a Hanuman temple in Rajvanshi Nagar, seeking blessings ahead of assuming office — an act that underscored both personal faith and the symbolic beginning of a new political chapter.

This transition follows the resignation of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who moved to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for a BJP-led leadership in the state.

With this, Bihar has entered a new era of governance under the BJP’s direct leadership for the first time.

Samrat Choudhary entered active politics in 1990 and went on to become the Agriculture Minister in Bihar in 1999.

Choudhary contested from the Parbatta Assembly constituency in 2000 and 2010, winning both elections.

In 2010, he was appointed Chief Whip of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.

Since 2018, he has emerged as a key BJP leader.

In 2019, under the leadership of Nityanand Rai, he was appointed BJP State Vice President, steadily rising to become one of the party’s most influential faces in Bihar.

Samrat Choudhary gained significant prominence when Nitish Kumar broke ties with the BJP to form a Mahagathbandhan government.

At that time, Choudhary, serving as Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, made a symbolic pledge — vowing not to remove his ‘Muraittha’ (traditional turban) until Nitish Kumar was unseated as Chief Minister.

This gesture became a defining moment in his political identity.

In 2023, Samrat Choudhary was appointed BJP State President, further solidifying his leadership role.

When Nitish Kumar later returned to the NDA fold, Choudhary became Deputy Chief Minister — also taking charge of the Home Department, a first for him.

Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, born on January 8, 1957, in Samastipur, comes from a strong political lineage.

His father, Jagdish Prasad Chaudhary, was an influential political figure, which shaped his early exposure to public life.

A postgraduate in History from Patna University, he initially worked at the State Bank of India before transitioning fully into politics.

He began his political career from the Dalsinghsarai Assembly constituency, winning three consecutive terms as MLA.

Though he started with the Congress, his move to JD(U) in 2005 proved decisive.

Over the years, he has held key positions, including party spokesperson and State President.

Known for his clean image and administrative balance, he has been a trusted associate of Nitish Kumar.

His appointment as Deputy Chief Minister further strengthens his stature in Bihar’s political landscape.

Vijendra Prasad Yadav, a towering figure in Bihar politics — often referred to as the “Chanakya” of Kosi region politics — continues to wield influence even at the age of 79.

A consistent electoral winner since 1990, he has built a formidable base, particularly in the Supaul Assembly constituency.

A long-time associate of Nitish Kumar, Yadav has been a key strategist and administrator.

In the Kosi region, he is widely regarded as a development-oriented leader. His contributions to strengthening the power infrastructure in districts like Supaul, Saharsa, and Madhepura have been significant.

Under his leadership, the expansion of grid networks and the establishment of new power substations transformed a once power-deficient region into one with improved electricity access.

This political transition marks a defining moment in Bihar’s history.

With Samrat Choudhary at the helm and experienced leaders like Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Vijendra Prasad Yadav as his deputies, the new government faces the crucial task of sustaining development momentum while navigating the expectations that come with this unprecedented shift in leadership.

–IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, April 15 (IANS) In contemporary Kerala, Vishu has gently outgrown the confines of a strictly religious observance, emerging instead as a shared cultural moment that cuts across communities, lifestyles, and generations.

Rooted in Hindu mythology, the festival today carries an inclusive character, with people from diverse backgrounds embracing its customs, symbols, and seasonal warmth. Marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, Vishu falls on the first day of Medam, typically aligning with April 14 or 15 in the Gregorian calendar. This year, it is being celebrated on Wednesday.

A public holiday in Kerala, the day unfolds as a blend of tradition and adaptation. At the heart of Vishu lies the Vishukkani — the carefully curated first sight of the day, believed to usher in prosperity and good fortune. Traditionally arranged by women of the household, the kani features an image or idol of Lord Krishna, seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, gold ornaments or coins, and a mirror, all placed in a gleaming uruli.

While the essence remains intact, the process has evolved with time. Supermarkets now offer ready-made Vishukkani kits — sometimes priced up to Rs 800 — reflecting both convenience and a growing trend of commercialisation.

Equally cherished is the ritual of Vishu Kaineettam, where elders gift money to younger family members as a token of blessings. Temples across the state witness large footfall, even as many households balance devotion with quieter, more personal celebrations.

The festival’s changing social fabric is perhaps most visible in what has faded. The large joint family gatherings that once defined Vishu mornings are increasingly rare, shaped by migration, work pressures, and the shift towards nuclear families. Yet, the visual identity of the day endures — women in kasavu sarees, men in mundu, and children in traditional attire — offering a reassuring sense of continuity.

Food remains central to the celebration. The elaborate Vishu sadya, often comprising up to 26 dishes, continues to be a highlight, though regional variations persist. While southern and central Kerala largely adhere to a strictly vegetarian spread, parts of the north include non-vegetarian dishes, alongside the custom of bursting firecrackers on Vishu eve.

For businesses, Vishu signals opportunity. Jewellery and textile sectors witness a seasonal surge, while restaurants have turned the festive feast into a commercial offering, with packaged sadya meals priced between Rs 300 and Rs 2,500.

In its evolving form, Vishu today is as much about identity and adaptation as it is about tradition — a festival that mirrors the changing rhythms of Kerala itself.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the bus accident in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib in which six devotees lost their lives.

At least six people were killed, and around 20 were injured as the bus carrying devotees overturned in Fatehgarh Sahib while returning from Anandpur Sahib, police said on Wednesday.

The injured included women and children. They were immediately admitted to nearby hospitals, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister’s Office said, “Pained to hear about the mishap in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

The bus, with around 40 people on board, was returning from Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district after paying obeisance on the occasion of Baisakhi when it developed a snag.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shubham Agarwal told the media that devotees belonging to the Bassi Assembly constituency had travelled to Anandpur Sahib to pay obeisance. While returning in the evening, the vehicle reportedly developed a mechanical fault that led to the accident.

Prima facie, the cause of the accident was that the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the bus rammed into an electric pole before overturning, he said.

Local residents rushed to the spot and helped rescue the injured. Police and emergency teams also reached the spot and launched the rescue operation.

The injured were initially shifted to hospitals in Morinda and Fatehgarh Sahib, while those critically injured have been referred to the PGIMER in Chandigarh.

Police said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The accident took place around 10 p.m. Tuesday near Himmatpura on the Morinda-Chunni road in the Bassi Pathana area.

–IANS

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Chennai, April 15 (IANS) Tamil Nadu BJP on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing him of making “anti-Constitutional” remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attempting to derail the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures.

In a strongly worded statement, BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad said Stalin’s recent speech, which warned of statewide protests over potential delimitation changes, undermines national unity and threatens India’s constitutional framework.

He demanded that the Chief Minister immediately withdraw what he described as “threatening remarks”.

The BJP leader said Stalin’s comments, including warnings that Tamil Nadu would “come to a standstill” and force the nation to take notice, reflected a revival of the Dravidian party’s earlier separatist rhetoric.

He referred to the DMK’s historical demand for a separate “Dravida Nadu” and claimed such narratives were detrimental to the unity and integrity of the country.

Prasad further accused the Chief Minister of engaging in divisive politics centred on language, caste, and regional identity for electoral gains ahead of the Assembly polls.

He argued that such rhetoric was being used to create fear around the Centre’s policies, particularly the proposed delimitation exercise.

Highlighting the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, Prasad described it as a landmark reform aimed at empowering women across the country.

He alleged that Stalin’s opposition to delimitation-related processes could delay or obstruct the implementation of the reservation.

The BJP spokesperson also asserted that the Centre had assured that any delimitation exercise would protect the interests of Tamil Nadu and would not adversely affect the state’s representation.

He criticised the Chief Minister for portraying the Centre as an adversary and for “spreading panic” among the public.

Prasad further credited the Prime Minister with advancing major development initiatives in Tamil Nadu, claiming that projects worth several lakh crore rupees had been sanctioned for the state’s growth.

Concluding his remarks, Prasad reiterated that the women’s reservation policy would be implemented regardless of political opposition, and maintained that “no amount of threats or warnings” would stop what he termed a constitutional mandate.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Mahishini Colonne, speaking about the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam on Wednesday, said that greater women’s participation in political institutions can bring diverse perspectives to policymaking.

Speaking to IANS, Colonne said, “Strengthening women’s representation in political institutions is an important step towards more inclusive governance. Greater participation of women in Parliament can bring diverse perspectives and contribute positively to policymaking.”

This comes ahead of a Special Session of Parliament scheduled to begin on April 16, during which the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, and a proposed delimitation bill are expected to be discussed to facilitate one-third reservation for women in Parliament.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Central government shared with MPs the text of the Constitution (131 Amendment) Bill, 2026 or the proposed amendment to the Women Reservation Bill, which aims to raise Lok Sabha seats to 850 — including members from States and Union Territories.

The Bill proposes a cap of 815 on the number of members chosen by direct election from constituencies in the States.

For UTs, the Bill says, “Not more than 35 members to represent the Union Territories, chosen in such manner as Parliament may by law provide”.

At present, there are 530 Lok Sabha members from States and 20 from UTs. However, a delimitation commission had set the number at 543.

Another key amendment proposed in the Bill is the definition of population, giving Parliament the mandate to decide which data is to be made the foundation for the expansion of the number of seats.

For modifying clause (3) of article 81 of the Constitution, the Bill proposes, “(3) In this article, the expression ‘population’ means the population as ascertained at such census, as Parliament may by law determine, of which the relevant figures have been published.”

The Union Cabinet had recently cleared the Bill seeking to amend the Constitution for early implementation of 33 per cent quota for women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, as well as increasing the number of seats in the lower house of Parliament.

The amendment Bill also proposes changes in article 82 to substitute “Upon the completion of each census, the allocation of seats” with the words “The allocation of seats”.

The proposed amendment aims to delink the quota’s implementation from the 2027 Census and instead base it on the 2011 Census, enabling its rollout before the 2029 general elections.

In Article 82, the amendment Bill also proposes to introduce a role for the Delimitation Commission.

The Bill states that in article 82 (c) of the Constitution, “for the words ‘by such authority and in such manner’, the words ‘in such manner and on the basis of such census, by the Delimitation Commission’, shall be substituted”.

The Bill also talks about reservation of seats on a rotation basis in the Lok Sabha and Assemblies and carries paras related to the tenure for which the women’s reservation shall remain in force, subject to extension by Parliament.

–IANS

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Hyderabad, April 15 (IANS) Telangana Jagruthi president K. Kavitha on Wednesday warned of a movement on the scale of the Telangana agitation if the BJP-led Centre attempts to weaken the state’s democratic representation under the guise of delimitation.

The former MP said that the South, which led the nation in economic growth and family planning for decades, should be rewarded and not punished.

“The voice of the people of Telangana cannot be diluted under the guise of delimitation. Our position is non-negotiable: the proportional representation of Telangana and by extension, South Indian states must be protected,” Kavitha posted on ‘X’.

“For decades, the South has led the nation in economic growth and family planning; we should be rewarded for this progress, not punished with political disenfranchisement,” she said.

“Currently, Telangana holds a 3.13 per cent share in Parliament. While we already find this representation to be at the bare minimum, our way forward is centred on one core demand: this 3.13 per cent must be the floor, not the ceiling,” she said.

“If the BJP-led Centre attempts to weaken our democratic stake, let it be known: they are inviting a movement of the same scale and intensity as the Telangana Agitation. We will take this fight from the halls of Parliament to every street in our state. We will fight this demographic injustice tooth and nail, and we will not retreat until the political sovereignty of Telangana is fully secured,” Kavitha added.

Kavitha earlier slammed the Centre over the Women’s Reservation Bill, calling it a political stunt by the BJP.

She alleged that the Bill was being brought for the benefit of the elections in five states. She remarked that the BJP-led government was toying with the lives of 70 crore women.

Kavitha stated that the Women’s Reservation Bill was to be implemented from the 2029 elections based on the 2027 census. She wanted to know why the government suddenly came out with the idea of implementing it based on the 2011 census.

She also questioned the motive behind linking the Reservation Bill to the delimitation exercise. Kavitha believes that delimitation poses a severe disadvantage to South India, which has a lower population density.

–IANS

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Chennai, April 15 (IANS) With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, political activity across the state has intensified, with major parties ramping up their campaigns to secure voter support.

The counting of votes will take place on May 4, and the results will be declared the same day. Amid the high-stakes electoral battle, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin continued his campaign trail on Wednesday, focusing on the Dharmapuri district, a key battleground in the northern region of the state.

Earlier in the day, Stalin began his outreach with a morning walk in Palacode, where he engaged directly with local residents in an informal setting.

The interaction allowed him to connect with voters on a personal level, discussing local concerns and highlighting the achievements of his government.

During the walk, Stalin actively canvassed for votes in support of DMK candidate Senthil Kumar, who is contesting from the Palacode constituency.

The Chief Minister was seen interacting with shopkeepers, commuters, and residents, seeking their support and reinforcing the party’s development narrative.

The Dharmapuri campaign is part of the DMK’s broader strategy to consolidate its voter base while countering the opposition’s aggressive outreach in the run-up to the polls.

Senior leaders across parties have been touring constituencies, holding roadshows, public meetings, and door-to-door campaigns to maximise voter engagement.

With just days left for campaigning to conclude, the political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu has reached a fever pitch. Alliances are being tested on the ground, and candidates are making last-minute efforts to sway undecided voters.

The coming days are expected to witness intensified campaigning by top leaders, as parties aim to secure a decisive mandate in what is shaping up to be a closely watched electoral contest.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, April 15 (IANS) At least six people were killed, and around 20 were injured as the bus carrying devotees overturned in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib while returning from Anandpur Sahib, police said on Wednesday.

The injured included women and children. They were immediately admitted to nearby hospitals, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

The bus, with around 40 people on board, was returning from Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district after paying obeisance on the occasion of Baisakhi when it developed a snag.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shubham Agarwal told the media that devotees belonging to the Bassi Assembly constituency had travelled to Anandpur Sahib to pay obeisance. While returning in the evening, the vehicle reportedly developed a mechanical fault that led to the accident.

Prima facie, the cause of the accident was that the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the bus rammed into an electric pole before overturning, he said.

Local residents rushed to the spot and helped rescue the injured. Police and emergency teams also reached the spot and launched the rescue operation.

The injured were initially shifted to hospitals in Morinda and Fatehgarh Sahib, while those critically injured have been referred to the PGIMER in Chandigarh.

Police said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The accident took place around 10 p.m. Tuesday near Himmatpura on the Morinda-Chunni road in the Bassi Pathana area.

Shiromani Akali Dal Member of Parliament Harsimrat Badal expressed deep grief over the accident. “Hearing the news of the death of six devotees due to the bus overturning of pilgrims coming from Sri Anandpur Sahib has caused immense grief. May Guru Sahib grant abode at His feet to the departed souls and bestow swift recovery upon the injured,” she wrote on X.

–IANS

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Hyderabad, April 15 (IANS) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working President K.T. Rama Rao on Wednesday warned the Centre that if delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies results in injustice to South India, this will trigger a massive movement in the region.

He made it clear that if the delimitation exercise is conducted in a manner that diminishes the representation of the Southern states, it will not remain merely a political process or a legislative amendment; rather, it will trigger a powerful mass movement across the entire South India.

In a statement, he reiterated that there has been no change in the BRS party’s stance on this matter, emphasising that they remain firmly committed to the resolute position they adopted three years ago.

KTR asserted that they are proud Indians and representatives of exemplary states that play a pivotal role in the nation’s development. He opined that it would be unjust — and indeed unreasonable — for the Southern states, which have achieved remarkable progress in various sectors, including population control, to face political injustice as a consequence of this delimitation exercise.

He criticised the move to curtail the representation of developing states — rather than encouraging them — as being contrary to the very spirit of democracy.

KTR made it unequivocally clear that if attempts are made to stifle the voices and representation of their people in Parliament, they will not stand by in silence. He declared that they would wage an uncompromising struggle to uphold the rights of South Indians.

“We hope that the Central Government, at least now, understands the ground realities, and that the rulers in Delhi heed our words and exercise good judgment,” he stated.

Barring the BJP, all political parties in the state have opposed the proposed pro rata model for delimitation.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for a national, political consensus on increasing seats for the Lok Sabha, with a hybrid model.

“The proposal to increase in Lok Sabha seats on either population or pro rata model is not acceptable to many states, among them, southern states. I wish to bring to your notice our serious concerns regarding the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats, which if done on a pro rata basis, is fraught with dangers for the country,” wrote Revanth Reddy.

The Chief Minister also wrote letters to the chief ministers of other southern states, calling for unitedly resisting the Centre’s move to push a pro rata model to increase Lok Sabha seats, saying this would be highly detrimental and inimical to the interests of Southern states.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday in Delhi’s Rohini area, engulfing nearly half a dozen slums and leaving three members of a family dead, fire services officials said.

According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), the deceased include a husband, wife and their two-year-old daughter.

Officials said the fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. in a cluster of slums located near a 400-yard plot filled with plastic waste.

The presence of combustible material in the vicinity is believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, DFS officials stated.

Upon receiving information about the incident, teams from the fire services rushed to the scene and launched efforts to douse the blaze.

The blaze was reported to be extremely intense, making firefighting operations challenging for emergency responders.

After prolonged firefighting operations, the fire was eventually brought under control, officials said.

During the rescue operation, firefighters recovered three bodies from the site, which were later sent for postmortem examination.

Personnel from multiple agencies, including the fire department, local police, the Centralised Accident and Trauma Service (CATS), and the electricity department, were present at the scene.

Relief and rescue efforts continued for several hours following the incident.

In a separate incident earlier on April 12, a fire had broken out in bushes near the Rajghat bus depot in the national capital, prompting a swift response from the Delhi Fire Service.

The blaze, reported in a vegetated area adjacent to the depot, saw six fire tenders being deployed to the site to contain the flames.

The dense vegetation in the area posed challenges for firefighting teams in accessing certain pockets.

Police said that the fire was eventually brought under control and no injuries were reported in that incident.

–IANS

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Kolkata, April 15 (IANS) The Election Commission has directed District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Police Superintendents in West Bengal to visit violence-prone areas in the state and submit a detailed report by 5 p.m. on April 16, an official of the Commission said on Wednesday.

In addition, the ECI also asked them to set up mobile, satellite, and wireless communication systems in each polling station.

The instructions require senior district and police officials to inspect booths and localities that witnessed violence during the 2021 Assembly polls, the 2023 Panchayat elections, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Areas where violence occurred before, during, or after polling are also to be covered.

As per the instructions, the DMs will have to visit the areas along with police officers. Instructions have also been given to fix the communication system ahead of the Assembly polls.

Separately, the Election Commission has reiterated guidelines for polling personnel, stressing strict impartiality and prohibiting acceptance of any political influence, gifts, or benefits. Mock polls have been made mandatory before voting, while EVMs and VVPATs must be checked prior to the polling. Any irregularity during voting is to be reported immediately through the ECInet app or to the office of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer.

If necessary, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) should also be taken into the loop.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police on Tuesday instructed all police stations under its jurisdiction to immediately execute pending arrest warrants against miscreants. Police have been asked to either arrest those with warrants or report the action taken to Lalbazar, the city police headquarters in Kolkata. The directive applies to both bailable and non-bailable warrants. It said the concerned police station must be informed about the action being taken.

West Bengal Assembly polls are being held in two phases. First phase voting will take place on April 23, and the second phase on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.

–IANS

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