Once BJP Comes To Power In Bengal, All Infiltrators Will Be Sent Back: Amit Shah

Bengal Election 2026: Congress Shifts To Cash Transfers, Women-Centric Welfare In New Manifesto

PTI — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 08:58:00 +0530

Kolkata, Apr 7 (PTI) The Congress in its 2026 West Bengal assembly poll manifesto has pivoted sharply towards direct welfare fund transfer, women-centric schemes, and expansion of healthcare and rural support systems, marking a clear departure from its 2021 election pitch centred on industrial revival and employment generation through that.

While the party’s 2021 manifesto, titled "Bring back the glory of Bengal", as a part of its alliance with the Left Front and ISF, stressed growth through proposals such as setting up industrial hubs and electric vehicle manufacturing units in Asansol and Durgapur, the 2026 document places greater emphasis on cash transfers and social security measures.

The party is contesting on its own in 2026.

One of the striking features this time is the proposed “Durga Samman” scheme, promising Rs 2,000 per month to women aged 18 to 59, alongside free travel on government public transport. This marks a significant shift from the earlier focus on employment-led empowerment to direct financial assistance.

"The most important point is that our manifesto does not talk about distributing money but also about rebuilding the economy of the state. Despite the TMC government being in power for the last 15 years, development has been lacking. There is a requirement for investment and employment," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said while releasing the manifesto here on Tuesday.

"On the other hand, whenever Bengal is the issue, the BJP does not talk about the economy, but about the polarisation of the people. There is no clarity on jobs, nor any clarity on industry revival plans, or youth roadmap," he said.

The party in 2026 manifestor also pledged to fill all vacant government posts with youths within a year.

Kharge said that Congress has brought one solution to all these. The party will follow 'Madhyamarg' (Middle Path) shown by Jawaharlal Nehru and move forward.

"Special stress will be given to women's empowerment. Under the Durga Samman scheme, we will provide a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000, free education up to the postgraduate level, and free government transport for all women. We will also bring up fast-track courts for the safety of the women," he said. On women’s safety, both manifestos retain continuity in promising fast-track courts, but the latest document goes further by proposing a new “Abhaya Women’s Protection Act”, 24-hour helplines, and dedicated police units, reflecting a more structured legal and institutional approach.

The proposed Act is named after 'Abhaya', the moniker given by the media to the RG Kar hospital rape-murder victim.

The 2026 manifesto also expands its welfare net with a Rs 10 lakh health insurance scheme 'Swastha Suraksha' and a health card in the name of legendary Congress leader and former Bengal Chief Minister Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, free cancer treatment and dialysis at district hospitals, and diagnostic services for women in government facilities without cost.

In contrast, the 2021 manifesto had broadly focused on improving healthcare infrastructure and upgrading hospitals.

Agriculture and rural development, which earlier centred on procurement support and opposition to central farm laws, now feature expanded grassroots interventions.

The 2026 manifesto promises annual financial assistance to marginal farmers, free electricity for agricultural work, cold storage infrastructure, and a “Farm to Market Mission” to rebuild rural connectivity and markets.

Additionally, new proposals such as providing livestock and saplings to families upon the birth of a child in villages and setting up fisheries research centres indicate a push towards livelihood diversification, an aspect less pronounced in 2021.

Another key shift is the emphasis on universal access to services. The party has promised to upgrade all Primary Health Centres to 24x7 facilities, fill vacancies in hospitals, and ensure free medicines and diagnostics—moving beyond the earlier broad commitments to healthcare improvement.

The manifesto also pledged targeted support for specific groups, including tea garden workers, widows, and senior citizens, with pension schemes and housing benefits, reflecting a more segmented welfare strategy.

Overall, the 2026 manifesto signals a transition from a development model anchored in industrialisation and job creation to one driven by direct welfare, social protection, and targeted financial assistance, aligning more closely with prevailing electoral trends in the state. PTI SCH NN NN

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Bengal Election 2026: Congress Shifts To Cash Transfers, Women-Centric Welfare In New Manifesto

ABP Live News — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 07:40:03 +0530

Campaigning for the high-stakes 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry concluded on Wednesday, setting the stage for voting on April 9. The final stretch saw intense political exchanges, sharp rhetoric, and last-minute outreach efforts as parties made their closing pitch to voters before the silence period came into effect.

Assam Sees Heated Campaign With Sharp Rhetoric

In Assam, where 722 candidates are contesting for 126 Assembly seats, the campaign witnessed aggressive attacks and strong messaging from all sides. The BJP’s campaign was led by Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The ruling party targeted the Congress over alleged illegal immigration and accused it of using such issues for vote-bank politics while failing on development and jobs. Sarma, in particular, intensified the campaign tone with controversial remarks aimed at Bengali-speaking Muslims of immigrant origin, locally referred to as “Miyas.”

The BJP also foregrounded its governance record, citing initiatives such as land rights for tea garden workers, schemes aimed at women’s empowerment, financial support for girl students, and a claimed 84 percent reduction in child marriage rates.

Kerala Witnesses CM-Level War Of Words

In Kerala, campaigning was dominated by a heated exchange between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Revanth Reddy, who was canvassing for the UDF.

The row spilled onto social media platforms, with Vijayan responding sharply to Reddy’s earlier remarks using Malayalam expressions that were widely seen as nearly derogatory. Reddy hit back by drawing comparisons between Vijayan and Prime Minister Modi, while stating he would accept personal criticism directed at him but not tolerate remarks against the people of Kerala.

The flashpoint was Reddy’s use of a popular dialogue—“nee po mone Vijaya”—from a film starring Mohanlal during a campaign speech, which Vijayan criticised as inappropriate for a sitting Chief Minister.

Opposition Criticism, Damage Control Ahead Of Polls

Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan criticised Vijayan’s response, stating that the Chief Minister had “lost composure” and risked embarrassing the state.

Subsequently, Vijayan sought to clarify his position on social media, noting that while political differences are expected in a democracy, personal attacks should not cross acceptable boundaries. He also shared a detailed letter rejecting what he described as a mischaracterisation of Kerala.

With campaigning now closed, all eyes turn to polling day, as voters in the three regions prepare to decide the political trajectory of their states and union territory.

BJP Files Complaint Against Kharge Over ‘Snake’ Remark; Rahul Hits Back at Himanta Sarma

Vinita Bhat — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 22:23:47 +0530

The political temperature in Assam escalated after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sparked controversy with a remark comparing the RSS and BJP to a “poisonous snake” during an election rally. The BJP swiftly lodged a police complaint in Guwahati, calling the statement offensive and unacceptable. The development triggered a sharp war of words between the two parties, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi countering with strong criticism of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

BJP Moves Police Over Kharge’s Remark

The controversy began after Kharge, addressing a rally in Assam, likened the RSS-BJP to a “venomous snake”, a comment that drew immediate backlash. In response, BJP leader Ranjeev Kumar Sharma approached a police station located near the party’s state office in Guwahati, filing a formal complaint against the Congress chief.

The BJP has alleged that Kharge’s statement was inflammatory and aimed at provoking public sentiment during the ongoing election campaign. Party leaders have demanded action, accusing the Congress of lowering the level of political discourse.

Rahul Gandhi Attacks Sarma

Amid the row, Rahul Gandhi issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he described as “vulgar and derogatory language” used by Himanta Biswa Sarma against Kharge. He termed the remarks “shameful and unacceptable”, emphasising Kharge’s stature as a senior Dalit leader.

असम के मुख्यमंत्री हिमंता बिस्वा सरमा द्वारा कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष और राज्यसभा में नेता प्रतिपक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे जी के विरुद्ध इस्तेमाल की गई अभद्र और घटिया भाषा पूरी तरह निंदनीय, शर्मनाक और अस्वीकार्य है।

खरगे जी देश के एक वरिष्ठ और लोकप्रिय दलित और जननेता हैं - उनका अनुभव, कद और…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 7, 2026

Gandhi argued that insulting Kharge amounted to disrespecting millions from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities across India. He further accused the BJP and RSS of having a history of undermining Dalit leaders and cited instances of alleged disrespect towards figures such as BR Ambedkar.

Taking direct aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi questioned his silence on the issue. He suggested that failing to condemn such remarks could be interpreted as tacit approval.

The exchange has intensified political tensions ahead of elections, with both sides accusing each other of divisive rhetoric and personal attacks, signalling a bitter campaign battle in Assam.

West Bengal Elections: BJP Leader Assaulted In Kolkata, Clashes Erupt In Bankura Amid Rising Tensions

Ayesha Fatima — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 18:22:09 +0530

Political tensions escalated sharply in West Bengal after a BJP leader was allegedly assaulted in Kolkata’s Tollygunj area, with fresh clashes and a viral threat video adding to concerns ahead of the elections.

Sanjay Jaydhar, BJP’s mandal president for Tollygunj 1, was reportedly attacked late at night while returning home after completing election-related work. The incident, which took place around 12:30 am near Nehru Colony, has been blamed by the BJP on alleged TMC-backed miscreants, according to ABP Ananda.

BJP Leader Hospitalised After Late-Night Attack

The injured leader was admitted to MR Bangur Hospital following the assault. BJP candidate from Tollygunj, Papia Adhikari, visited him and alleged that the attack was driven by fear among ruling party workers.

A formal complaint has been lodged at Regent Park police station against four TMC workers in connection with the incident. However, there has been no immediate response from the Trinamool Congress on the allegations.

Clashes in Bankura Leave Child Injured

Meanwhile, tensions spilled over into Bankura’s Indas, where clashes broke out between BJP and TMC supporters during an election campaign by BJP candidate Nirmal Dhara.

The confrontation escalated from slogan shouting to physical altercations, leaving several people injured, including a seven-year-old child. Both parties have traded allegations, with the TMC claiming its workers were assaulted, while the BJP accused TMC supporters of detaining its workers at a local club.

Viral Threat Video Triggers Alarm

Adding to the unrest, a viral video allegedly calling for violence against BJP and RSS workers has sparked widespread outrage.

A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission, following which the state police’s cyber crime unit has launched an investigation. Authorities said efforts are underway to identify those involved, with search operations ongoing and multiple charges registered against unidentified individuals.

How To Find Your Polling Booth Online Ahead Of Kerala, Puducherry & Assam Assembly Elections 2026

Annie Sharma — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:29:35 +0530

Assembly elections 2026 are scheduled across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9. The election process will cover a total of 824 assembly seats, with voting spread across multiple dates in April. Results are scheduled to be announced on May 4. In India, every voter is assigned a designated polling station, and with elections around the corner, knowing where to vote is important.

The good news is that finding your polling booth takes only a few minutes using a phone or computer.

How Can You Find Your Polling Booth For 2026 Assembly Elections?

The National Voter Services Portal (NVSP) is the primary platform for accessing voter records and polling station details. It works on both mobile and desktop browsers, and no login is required in most cases. The official portal can be accessed at https://voters.eci.gov.in/.

Here is how to find your polling booth, step by step:

Visit https://voters.eci.gov.in/
Click on "Search in Electoral Roll" on the homepage
Choose one of two options: enter your EPIC (Voter ID) number along with your state, or enter your name, your relative's name, age, and district
Submit the form
Check the polling station details that appear on screen
Note the booth name and full address
Use the map link if available
Download or print the voter slip for reference

Why Should You Check Your Polling Booth Before Election Day?

Polling stations are generally fixed, but changes can occur between elections due to booth relocations, ward revisions, or updates in voter rolls, which may alter a voter's assigned centre.

Arriving at the wrong polling station can lead to delays or even denial of entry. While carrying a voter slip is not compulsory, it can make the process smoother. Identification documents remain essential at the polling booth.

Polling will proceed in phases through April. Security deployment and logistical movement have already begun in several constituencies. Voters are advised to check their assigned booth early to avoid any last-minute confusion.

'Usko Acche Se Pelunga’: Himanta Sarma’s Warning To Pawan Khera Fuels Assam Polls Face-off

Vinita Bhat — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:28:18 +0530

A sharp political confrontation has erupted between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress leader Pawan Khera, with both sides trading allegations and provocative remarks over the circulation of purported personal documents. The row has intensified, drawing in senior leaders and triggering a wider political face-off. While Sarma has warned of strict legal action, the Congress has accused the Assam government of misusing state machinery to target opposition voices, deepening the standoff and fuelling a fresh political controversy.

Sharp Remarks, Legal Warning

Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scathing attack on Pawan Khera, using strong language and personal jibes. In one instance, he referred to Khera with a derogatory remark, saying, “Pawan Khera ka baenga ‘peda’.” He also issued a stern warning, stating, “Usko acche se pelunga,” signalling tough action against the Congress leader.

Pawan Khera ka baenga "Peda": Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarmapic.twitter.com/ykkPbQVcHL
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) April 6, 2026

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diphu Memes (@diphumemes)

Sarma accused Khera of spreading misleading information regarding alleged passport details linked to his family and said the matter would be pursued legally. He emphasised that such allegations should have been verified with the External Affairs Ministry before being made public. The Chief Minister also suggested that the controversy could widen, hinting at the possible involvement of other senior Congress leaders.

#WATCH | Jorhat | On Congress leader Pawan Khera, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "Before levelling an allegation, he should have asked the foreign minister. Kharge ji has aged, yet he speaks like a madman. Assam Police can find and bring people from 'pataal' as well. I… pic.twitter.com/EgIOsIFcuv
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2026

Congress Alleges ‘Political Targeting’

The Congress hit back strongly, accusing the Assam government of deploying state machinery to intimidate opposition leaders. The party described the action against Pawan Khera as political persecution rather than a lawful process.

मेरे साथी पवन खेड़ा को जनहित में बुनियादी सवाल पूछने के कारण गिरफ्तार करने के लिए पुलिस के पूरे तंत्र को तैनात करना यह साबित करता है कि असम के मुख्यमंत्री विचलित, हताश और घबराए हुए हैं।

यह कोई विधिसम्मत प्रक्रिया नहीं है, बल्कि यह साफ राजनीतिक प्रताड़ना है-एक बुली, जो राज्य की…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 7, 2026

In its response, the Congress said targeting a leader for raising questions in the public interest reflects panic within the ruling establishment. It further alleged that such moves were aimed at silencing dissent and deflecting attention from larger issues.

The escalating exchange has intensified political tensions, with both sides hardening their positions. As the confrontation unfolds, it signals a deepening rift between the Assam government and the Congress, with potential legal and political consequences in the coming days.

Kerala CM A 'liar'; LDF Govt Most Inefficient: Satheesan

PTI — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:07:35 +0530

Congress leader V D Satheesan on Tuesday lashed out at the Left government in Kerala, calling it the most inefficient administration the state has ever seen, and accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being a "liar".

Speaking to reporters in his Assembly constituency of Paravoor, Satheesan claimed that Vijayan lied about his and CPI(M)'s past "links" with the RSS and the Jamaat-e-Islami and also regarding the work done by the UDF government under late Congress stalwart Oommen Chandy.

Satheesan claimed that he "showed video proof of the links" the CM allegedly has with those organisations, forcing Vijayan to "run away scared".

"That is why he did not come for the public debate," he contended.

Satheesan claimed that a white paper issued by the state's former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and signed by the CM shows that the UDF administration under Chandy did not delay welfare pensions for 18 months as claimed by Vijayan and had built over four lakh homes as against the figure of 4,500 projected by the Marxist veteran.

"He (CM) has lied about everything. He has double standards. That is why I call him a liar now," the opposition leader said.

"I have made my claims based on data," he added.

He also pointed out that despite promising to increase welfare pensions in their 2021 election manifesto, the LDF hiked it from Rs 1,600 to Rs 2,000 only towards the fag end of the government's term.

"That is why I say that this is the most inefficient government Kerala has ever seen. I did not say this about the previous Pinarayi Vijayan administration," Satheesan said.

He also reiterated his confidence that the UDF would get over 100 seats in the April 9 polls to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

'Picked And Removed Like Lice': Mamata Puts Voter Deletion Row At Centre Of Bengal Election

PTI — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:02:32 +0530

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that names of people belonging to the Matua and minority communities were deleted from the post-SIR voter rolls in the state.

Addressing a rally at Chakdaha in Nadia district, Banerjee said that the TMC will stand by those whose names were excluded from the voter rolls, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

According to latest Election Commission data, nearly 91 lakh voters have been deleted from the electoral rolls in West Bengal after the SIR process.

The poll panel is yet to announce the finally altered voter base for the state after the roll revision process.

As per official data released on February 28, 63.66 lakh names, around 8.3 per cent of the electorate, were deleted since the SIR process began in November last year, reducing the voter base from about 7.66 crore to just over 7.04 crore Accusing the Centre of discrimination, Banerjee alleged that names were being removed from voter rolls by targeting specific communities.

“Why this discrimination? You are excluding Matuas, Rajbanshis and minorities. Do you think that people do not understand this?” the CM said.

She also claimed that in districts with significant minority population such as Murshidabad, Malda and North Dinajpur, names were “picked and removed like lice” from the electoral rolls.

Banerjee asserted that following her intervention in the Supreme Court, around 32 lakh names out of nearly 60 lakh cases under ‘adjudication’ had been restored.

“Those whose names are still missing should apply before the tribunal. The TMC will stand by you and provide legal support,” she said.

Questioning the Centre’s stand on infiltration, Banerjee said the Union government has the reponsibility of protecting the country’s borders, but it was blaming the West Bengal government for infiltration.

Describing the upcoming assembly polls as a battle to protect people’s identity and democratic rights, the TMC supremo urged voters to respond through the ballot.

“This election is a fight to save your democracy, language and respect so that no one can ever call you a foreigner,” Banerjee said.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases - on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.

(Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Puducherry Assembly Election Campaign To End

PTI — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:01:21 +0530

Campaigning for the April 9 elections to the Assembly of the Puducherry Union territory will end on Tuesday evening as political parties, independent candidates and rebel candidates of political parties were in a last-ditch attempt to impress voters.

Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions of the Union Territory (UT) together have thirty seats in the Assembly.

A total of 294 candidates are in the fray. The upcoming poll is a prestige fight for the NDA and INDIA bloc.

The election authorities have launched several awareness programmes across the UT to encourage voters to turn up to booths, with an aim of boosting the poll percentage.

In the ruling NDA, the AINRC is in the race in 16 constituencies, and its ally BJP in 10, and AIADMK and LJK are in the fray for two constituencies each.

The opposition, the INDIA bloc, after a protracted seat-sharing negotiation, reached a settlement to allocate Congress 16 constituencies, and to field DMK in 13 and VCK in one (Uzhavarkarai). However, Congress candidates are contesting from 6 constituencies that were allocated to DMK, and they defied the grand old party's call to withdraw.

The fledgling Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) fielded candidates in 28 of the 30 constituencies and is backing the Neyyam Makkal Kazhagam in the remaining two constituencies (Thattanchavady and Orleanpet).

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Once BJP Comes To Power In Bengal, All Infiltrators Will Be Sent Back: Amit Shah

PTI — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 15:48:16 +0530

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that a 'parivartan' is inevitable in West Bengal, and said once the BJP comes to power in the state, all infiltrators will be sent back to their countries.

Addressing an election rally in Patharkandi, he also claimed that the Congress gave shelter to illegal immigrants in Assam's Barak Valley, making them "predominant" in Sribhumi, Silchar and Cachar districts.

Shah alleged that the Congress opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as it knows that the law will ensure no infiltrators remain in the state.

''Persecuted Hindus from Bangladesh come within the ambit of this law...the Congress is opposed to this, but the party lays out a red carpet to welcome Muslim infiltrators'', Shah alleged.

Claiming that India is not a 'dharamshala' (guest house), the BJP leader said there is "no place for infiltrators" in the country.

"A 'parivartan' (change) is inevitable in West Bengal. Once the BJP comes to power in the state, all infiltrators from Assam, Tripura and Bengal will be sent back to their countries," Shah said.

He alleged that the Congress wants to come back to power with the "help of infiltrators, but Rahul baba must know that his three generations cannot make Assam a land of infiltrators”.

Addressing another rally in Hailakandi, Shah claimed the Congress had built 700 madrasas for Muslim students in Assam, but the "BJP converted 402 of them into primary schools so that they can also have access to modern education".

The union home minister alleged that Congress leaders have "stooped low in public life since Rahul Gandhi came to the forefront of the party".

"This was evident from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement claiming Gujaratis are illiterate, as compared to voters in Kerala," he claimed.

Shah accused Kharge of calling the RSS and the BJP snakes.

“Ever since Rahul Gandhi became the leader of the Congress, the public stature of all Congress leaders has gone down”, he said.

The BJP leader also accused the Congress of humiliating the country by its protest during the AI summit.

"Rahul Gandhi calling the protesters his ‘babbar sher’ ( brave lions) shows the low level that the Congress has stooped to," he said.

Shah also asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared both Assamese and Bengali as classical languages.

He claimed that the BJP has initiated several projects for the development of the Barak Valley, including the Silchar-Guwahati Expressway, a state secretariat in Silchar, and a centre of AIIMS in Sribhumi, among others.

Shah said that voters in the constituencies of the three districts of the Barak Valley have always supported the BJP, but “this time they must ensure that the saffron party and its alliance partners win all 13 assembly constituencies”.

He asserted that the BJP is committed to "protecting 'Jaati' (community) 'Maati (land) and 'Bheti' (foundation) in Assam".

Shah claimed that the BJP changed the name of Karimganj to Sribhumi, but ''how will those with roots in Italy know what the significance of the name change is?" He was alluding to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)