Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision granting him anticipatory bail, calling it a reaffirmation of constitutional protections for those “fighting against an oppressive government”.

The relief came after the Supreme Court of India on 1 May allowed Khera’s plea in connection with an FIR over his alleged remarks against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Speaking to IANS at the Delhi airport, where he received a warm welcome from party workers, Khera credited the Constitution for safeguarding individual rights.

“The Constitution helps everyone. Whenever someone is in trouble or fighting against an oppressive government, B.R. Ambedkar’s Constitution ensures protection. The relief I received is also because of the same Constitution,” he said.

A Bench of justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar set aside the Gauhati High Court’s earlier order denying pre-arrest protection, underscoring that individual liberty under Article 21 cannot be compromised lightly.

The court allowed anticipatory bail, directing that Khera be released in the event of arrest, subject to reasonable conditions set by the investigating officer.

He has been asked to cooperate with the probe, appear before authorities when required, refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, and not leave the country without prior court permission.

The Congress termed the ruling a significant reaffirmation of civil liberties. Party leaders Jairam Ramesh and Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the judgment reinforces the principle that arrest should be a last resort, particularly in defamation-related cases.

“Personal liberty remains paramount, and arrest must not be routine but a last resort,” they said at a press conference.

Singhvi, who represented Khera, highlighted the “triple test” for arrest — risk of flight, tampering with evidence, or influencing witnesses.

“Without these, custodial action risks becoming a tool for humiliation, harassment and political point-scoring,” he said.

Ramesh added that the ruling strengthens faith in the judiciary.

“It shows that the flame of justice is very much alive in our country,” he remarked.

The case continues to draw political attention, with the Supreme Court’s order placing renewed focus on the balance between investigation and individual liberty.

With IANS inputs

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS over press freedom, alleging that the current regime has created an atmosphere where “independent journalism will be punished, and compliance rewarded.”

In a post on X marking World Press Freedom Day, Kharge claimed that sections of the media have been reduced to echoing the government narrative, while those who question authority face sustained pressure.

“The message of the BJP-RSS is clear: independent journalism will be punished, and compliance will be rewarded… those who persist in asking questions are targeted relentlessly,” he said.

Kharge pointed to India’s declining position in the global press freedom rankings, alleging that it has fallen to 157th place since 2014 under the BJP government.

“A free press… does not exist to amplify the government's narrative or conceal its failures. It exists to question authority, scrutinise power, and hold those in office accountable,” he said.

Invoking Jawaharlal Nehru, Kharge stressed the foundational role of media in a democracy.

“The freedom of the press is not just a slogan but an essential attribute of the democratic process,” he quoted, adding that this principle now stands “gravely compromised.”

The Congress chief accused the “Sangh Parivar” of “weaponising” laws to silence dissenting voices in the media.

“Defamation laws, national security provisions, and sweeping criminal statutes are deployed not as instruments of justice, but as tools of intimidation,” he alleged.

Kharge also cited figures to underline his claims, stating that over 135 journalists were arrested, detained, or interrogated between 2014 and 2020, while 36 journalists were imprisoned between 2014 and 2023. He further alleged that stringent laws like the UAPA have been used against journalists.

Raising concerns over safety, he claimed that journalists reporting on corruption have faced violence in BJP-ruled states, naming cases such as Raghvendra Bajpai in Uttar Pradesh, Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh, Rajeev Pratap Singh in Uttarakhand, and Dharmendra Singh Chauhan in Haryana.

“They stand as grim reminders of the cost of speaking truth to power,” Kharge said.

Kharge also accused the government of attempting to tighten control over social media platforms, calling it part of a broader push for “total dominance.”

He urged introspection on World Press Freedom Day, warning that erosion of press freedom could have long-term consequences for democratic institutions.

“Any deviation from democratic principles… risks becoming normalised, causing lasting damage to democratic norms, values, institutions, and the people they serve,” he said.

Emphasising accountability, Kharge added that governments must hold themselves to the highest standards to preserve the balance between power and the people.

With PTI inputs

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a complete repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta Assembly Constituency in West Bengal’s South 24-Parganas district, citing “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process” during voting on 29 April.

According to an EC official, the fresh polling will be conducted on 21 May from 7 am to 6 pm under “stringent security arrangements to ensure a free, fair and transparent exercise”. Counting for the constituency will take place on 24 May.

The decision follows an extensive review of reports from the chief electoral officer, district election officer, returning officer, field officials, and independent observers. The commission said these reports flagged serious concerns, including voter intimidation, unauthorised presence inside booths, and possible tampering.

“In view of the gravity of the incidents reported and the vitiation of the poll process, the commission hereby declares the poll held on 29 April in Falta assembly constituency as void and orders a fresh poll in all polling stations,” the EC said in its order.

To prevent any recurrence, the poll body has directed deployment of adequate central forces, micro-observers, and webcasting facilities wherever necessary. It also mandated full videography and close monitoring of the entire voting process.

The 29 April voting in Falta was part of the second phase of the two-phase assembly elections held on 23 and 29 April, with overall counting scheduled for 4 May.

The decision triggered sharp political reactions. Sukanta Majumdar welcomed the move, calling it a vindication of voters.

“This is a victory of the women of Falta over the atrocities of local TMC leader Jahangir Khan,” he said.

Falta is witnessing a multi-cornered contest, with TMC’s Jahangir Khan facing BJP candidate Debangshu Panda, Congress leader Abdur Razzak Molla, and CPI(M)’s Sambhu Nath Kurmi.

Responding strongly, Abhishek Banerjee launched a blistering attack on the BJP and the Centre.

“Ten lifetimes won't be enough for your Bangla Birodhi Gujarati gang and their stooge Gyanesh Kumar to put even a dent in my DIAMOND HARBOUR MODEL,” he wrote on X.

He also issued a direct political challenge: “Bring everything you have got… Come to Falta. Send your strongest, send one of the godfathers from Delhi. If you have got the nerve, contest in Falta.”

With the EC stepping in decisively and political rhetoric intensifying, the Falta repoll is now set to become a high-stakes test of electoral credibility in West Bengal.

With PTI inputs

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday alleged irregularities in the handling of postal ballots in West Bengal and lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (EC).

The allegation is based on an incident at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in Kolkata, where electronic voting machines (EVMs) from several assembly constituencies are stored. TMC workers stationed outside the strongroom claimed that eight boxes containing postal ballots were brought in around 4 am and taken to a room without CCTV coverage.

Party leaders said they had consistently demanded comprehensive surveillance of all EVMs and postal ballots, and alleged that moving the boxes outside camera range raised serious concerns about transparency.

Tensions escalated at the site when Purnima Chakraborty, a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Shyampukur, arrived with her supporters. Both sides exchanged slogans, prompting police intervention to maintain order. Chakraborty accused TMC workers of creating unrest out of fear of defeat.

A similar protest unfolded at Barasat Government College in North 24 Parganas district, where TMC supporters alleged that CCTV cameras outside a strongroom had been switched off for 17 minutes. The party’s Ashoknagar candidate, Narayan Goswami, reached the spot and sought access to the premises.

Election officials, however, denied any lapse in surveillance, stating that the cameras were functioning properly and that only the external monitor wires had been damaged. They added that the recorded footage for the period in question would be made available to political parties upon request.

Meanwhile, the BJP circulated a video purportedly showing a man scaling the wall of a building in East Bardhaman district where EVMs were stored. The EC dismissed the clip as outdated, clarifying that the individual was part of a team installing CCTV cameras and air-conditioning units.

The allegations come just days before the counting of votes, heightening political tensions in the state as parties remain on edge over the integrity of the process.

With IANS inputs

Nearly 37 per cent voter turnout was recorded until 11.00 am during repolling in 15 booths across two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, an official said.

Polling was underway without incident in 11 booths of Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour, where the Election Commission of India ordered a repoll a day earlier following reports of electoral malpractices.

Voting began at 7.00 am and will continue until 6.00 pm. By 11.00 am, turnout stood at 36.99 per cent, officials said. Magrahat Paschim recorded 38.2 per cent turnout, while Diamond Harbour saw 35.92 per cent, according to polling officials.

"So far, polling has been peaceful with none of the two Assembly constituencies reporting any incident of violence or unrest," an ECI official told PTI. "We have an adequate number of central forces in the two constituencies. Webcasting is also being conducted, and we are monitoring the proceedings."

Voting in these constituencies was originally held in the second phase of the state elections on 29 April. The repoll decision was taken based on reports from returning officers, observers and “material circumstances”, an ECI official said.

In Magrahat Paschim, Trinamool Congress candidate Md Samim Ahamed Molla is contesting against BJP’s Goursundar Ghosh. Abdul Majid Halder of the Congress and ISF nominee Abdul Aziz Al Hassan are also in the fray.

In Diamond Harbour, TMC’s Panna Lal Halder is up against BJP candidate Dipak Kumar Halder, while Congress’s Goutam Bhattacharya and CPI(M)’s Samar Naiya are among the other contestants.

The BJP had alleged widespread electoral malpractices at certain polling stations in both constituencies, which fall under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat represented by TMC national general-secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

The Election Commission had deputed special observer Subrata Gupta to verify the allegations on the ground. The poll panel is also expected to decide on Saturday, 2 May, whether repolling will be required in the Falta Assembly constituency.

The West Bengal Assembly elections were conducted in two phases — 23 April and 29 April — under extensive security arrangements. Counting of votes is scheduled for 4 May.

With PTI inputs

In a politically charged special session of the Punjab Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government secured a confidence motion, transforming what began as a defensive exercise against alleged BJP “Operation Lotus” fears into a dramatic demonstration of legislative strength just months before the state heads to elections.

The session was convened by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government primarily to silence mounting speculation that the BJP was attempting to destabilise the Punjab government by engineering defections within AAP ranks. Rumours had intensified after former AAP leader Raghav Chadha, now with the BJP, claimed to be in touch with over 60 AAP MLAs — a claim that triggered political anxiety and prompted the Mann government to seek an explicit vote of confidence for the next six months.

AAP’s broader political calculation was clear: if the government remained intact through this period, Punjab would be close enough to elections to make any toppling attempt politically futile.

However, as proceedings began, the Opposition shifted the focus dramatically. Rather than debating defections or majority numbers, Congress and BJP leaders launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mann’s conduct inside the House.

Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira questioned the Chief Minister’s behaviour, while Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa escalated the confrontation by demanding that Assembly doors be shut immediately and all legislators undergo breath analyser and alcohol tests. Bajwa alleged Mann appeared to be under the influence, sparking unprecedented uproar.

The Assembly descended into chaos as Congress MLAs stormed the well of the House, shouting slogans and demanding an immediate “alcometer test.” BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar joined the chorus from outside, while the Punjab BJP staged a parallel “Janata Di Vidhan Sabha,” attempting to politically counter the official session.

Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan rejected demands for immediate testing, calling the move disruptive. Amid the escalating confrontation, Mann briefly exited the House, while Congress legislators staged a walkout. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema dismissed all allegations as baseless and accused the Opposition of manufacturing distractions to avoid the real issue — whether the government still commanded majority support.

With the Opposition boycotting the vote, the confidence motion was passed unanimously by those present, giving Mann the symbolic victory he sought.

The trust vote now gives Mann both political breathing room and a narrative of resilience. He also announced he would carry a copy of the passed confidence motion when he meets the President on 5 May.

For now, Bhagwant Mann has weathered the storm — not without turbulence, but with enough numbers to turn a session of suspicion into a statement of survival.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday invoked the teachings of Gautama Buddha to underline his political message, asserting that nations which have reached the pinnacle of progress have followed the Buddha’s path, even as he warned of “continuous threats” to India’s Constitution and democratic values.

Speaking on the occasion of Buddha Purnima at the party office in Lucknow, Yadav said, “Among the knowledge people have imparted from time to time, the greatest contribution has been that of Lord Buddha… The nations that stand at the pinnacle today have followed the path shown by Lord Buddha. The message he delivered has brought about a change.”

Addressing an audience that included Buddhist monks, he struck a more political note, saying, “There are forces which are posing a continuous threat to the Constitution given by Babasaheb Ambedkar and to democracy. I am confident that the ‘Baudh bhikshus’ will bless us to be successful.”

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also outlined his party’s vision for developing key Buddhist sites in the state. He said places associated with Buddha — such as Sarnath and Kushinagar — would be further developed to connect followers of the Buddhist path and the “bahujan samaj” with the global community.

Taking aim at the current government, Yadav alleged that the ambitious Maitreya Project in Kushinagar had been stalled. “Some people did not want the Maitreya Project… If it had been completed, people from across the world would have come and pledged to follow the path of Lord Buddha. However, under the current government, that project has been left half-finished,” he said.

He also spoke about the Kushinagar International Airport, claiming that while it was initiated earlier, his government completed its construction. “We assure you that the international airport will be started and an international city will be built,” Yadav said, in a swipe at political opponents.

Blending spiritual homage with political critique, Yadav’s remarks sought to position the Buddha’s philosophy as both a moral compass and a framework for governance, while reiterating his party’s commitment to constitutional values and development of cultural heritage sites.

With PTI inputs

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday warned that if the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls influences the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly elections, it could establish a troubling precedent that political parties must guard against.

Responding to a question about the standoff outside an EVM strongroom in Kolkata's Bhabanipur on Thursday night, Abdullah said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was within her rights to deploy party workers to watch over the machines.

"I have always said that I do not accept pre-poll rigging, and that safeguarding the EVMs after the polls is our responsibility. We used to do the same when there were ballot boxes; we would keep our people outside the strongroom. So, it was Mamata Banerjee's right to keep people outside the strongroom, and she did it," he told reporters.

Abdullah drew a distinction between alleged manipulation of electronic voting machines and concerns around electoral roll revisions, asserting that irregularities were now occurring through the latter.

"There is a difference between EVM (hacking) and what they are doing through SIR. Today, stealing (votes) is not happening through EVMs but the SIR, unfortunately, through the Election Commission," he said.

He described the ongoing West Bengal election as a significant test for opposition parties, cautioning that any impact of the SIR on results would have wider implications.

"This West Bengal election is a huge challenge for all of us because, God forbid, if the SIR shows its results, it can be very dangerous for all of us. We have to save ourselves from their attempt to rig the election by deleting voters from the voter list. I do not think anything can be done through the EVMs," he added.

On exit polls, Abdullah expressed scepticism, saying they would not reflect the final outcome when votes are counted on Monday, 4 May.

"Which exit poll has been right till now? Five years ago, when the elections took place in West Bengal, all the exit polls had given the government to the BJP. But what was the result? We do not have to wait for long; the results will come on Monday," he said.

The chief minister added that, in his view, "all these exit polls will be proven wrong once again".

Without naming anyone, he also remarked, "One of them has refused to publish his exit poll because perhaps he did not like the results."

A day after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee spent hours at a counting centre in Bhabanipur alleging possible malpractice, state’s chief electoral officer Manoj Agarwal on Friday dismissed the claims, asserting that the process remains secure and transparent.

“There is no scope for any wrongdoing given the arrangements made,” Agarwal told reporters, adding that strong rooms housing EVMs are under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. “One should have reason and evidence for making allegations,” he said, terming the accusations baseless.

The controversy comes ahead of the 4 May counting of votes, with tensions rising over the integrity of stored electronic voting machines. Banerjee had visited the Bhabanipur counting centre late Thursday night, staying for nearly four hours and warning that any attempt to tamper with the process would not be tolerated.

Senior officials said elaborate security measures are in place across counting centres. At Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in Kolkata — where EVM strong rooms for several constituencies are housed — additional Central Armed Police Forces and armed state police have been deployed. “Security is being supervised at the highest level, with senior officers monitoring the situation,” said joint commissioner of police Rupesh Kumar.

The ruling Trinamool Congress, however, maintained a cautious stance. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said workers and candidates were keeping strict vigil at counting centres on instructions from Banerjee. He also expressed concern over possible unauthorised movement during the handling of postal ballots. “Our polling agents and candidates have been alerted,” he said.

State minister Shashi Panja, who had joined a sit-in outside the counting centre on Thursday, emphasised the need for transparency. “There must be transparency in the process,” she said.

TMC leaders had earlier alleged that CCTV footage showed outsiders inside strong rooms “fiddling with ballot papers”. The Election Commission, however, rejected the claim, clarifying that officials seen in the footage were engaged in routine segregation of postal ballots and that all protocols were being strictly followed.

By Friday morning, the situation appeared calmer. Sakhawat Memorial School in Bhabanipur, which witnessed high drama overnight, returned to normalcy with security personnel maintaining vigil.

Officials reiterated that stringent safeguards are in place across Kolkata and other districts to ensure a smooth and secure counting process, even as political rhetoric continues to intensify.

With PTI inputs

The Indian National Congress (INC) on Friday sharpened its attack on Union Home minister Amit Shah during his visit to Ladakh, accusing him of sidestepping key local demands even as he participates in a high-profile exposition of sacred Buddhist relics.

Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh took to X to criticise the minister, saying, “The Home minister is in Ladakh today basking in the glory of the Piprahwa relics, while remaining silent on the demands of the people there for statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and protection of land and employment.”

Ramesh also invoked history to underline his point, recalling that India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had engaged more directly with Ladakh’s aspirations during his visit in July 1949. He noted that sacred relics of the Buddha’s chief disciples — Sariputta and Maha Moggallana — were repatriated from London and handed over to the Mahabodhi Society of India in Kolkata in January 1949.

According to Ramesh, during Nehru’s subsequent visit to Ladakh, Buddhist leader Kushok Bakula Rinpoche requested that the relics be brought to the region. “A year later in May 1950 this materialised, and the relics were taken around Ladakh for 79 days,” he said, adding that they were later enshrined in Yangon, Colombo and Sanchi.

The Congress has been consistently pressing the Centre to clarify its position on Ladakh’s long-standing demands, including full statehood, safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and legal protections for land and jobs.

Shah, who arrived in Ladakh on Thursday, is attending the first-ever international exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha in India. However, the opposition’s criticism underscores the widening political debate over governance and representation in the Union Territory.

The exchange highlights a broader tension between symbolic outreach and substantive policy commitments, as Ladakh’s residents continue to push for constitutional and administrative safeguards.

With PTI inputs

Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin on Friday expressed strong confidence in his party’s performance in the recent assembly elections, asserting that the efforts of party workers would bear fruit when votes are counted on 4 May.

Addressing a May Day event, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader said the outcome of the polls, held on 23 April, would reflect the extensive groundwork carried out by party cadres.

“We are set to reap the rewards of the hard work put in by our party cadres on the coming fourth,” he said, adding that there was “no deviation whatsoever” from this expectation.

Stalin emphasised that his confidence was not based on exit poll projections but on the party’s organisational strength and campaign efforts. He also hinted that the results would bring “good news” for supporters awaiting the outcome.

Reaffirming his party’s ideological foundations, Stalin said the DMK’s governance model was rooted in principles and would continue to follow the same path.

During his address, he also reflected on the historical significance of May Day in the state. He credited former chief minister C.N. Annadurai with first declaring 1 May a public holiday in Tamil Nadu. He further highlighted the role of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi in advocating for its recognition at the national level.

According to Stalin, it was at Karunanidhi’s request that then prime minister V.P. Singh extended May Day as a paid public holiday across the country.

The counting of votes on 4 May is expected to determine the political direction of the state, with major parties closely watching the outcome.

With PTI inputs

Mamata Banerjee on Friday rejected exit poll projections predicting a victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging that the surveys were circulated “at the instruction of the BJP” to demoralise Trinamool Congress workers ahead of counting on 4 May.

In a video message shared on social media, the Trinamool Congress chief claimed television channels had aired projections sent directly from the BJP office.

“What was shown on television was circulated from the BJP office at 1.08 pm. Money was paid to ensure it was aired. I have specific information. They are saying forcefully that this has to be done,” Banerjee alleged.

Most exit polls released after the completion of voting predicted a majority for the BJP in the 294-member Assembly, where the halfway mark is 148 seats.

‘We will cross 226 seats’

Projecting confidence, Banerjee asserted that the TMC would comfortably return to power with a decisive mandate.

“We will cross 226 seats in 2026. We might cross even 230 seats. I have complete faith in the massive mandate given by the people,” she said.

She thanked voters for participating in large numbers despite what she described as “heat and alleged intimidation”.

In a strongly worded political message, Banerjee said, “Those who tried to subdue Bengal have been subdued by the ballot,” while also praising TMC workers who, according to her, “fought relentlessly and endured attacks”.

Targets Amit Shah, central forces

The chief minister accused Amit Shah and central forces of acting in favour of the BJP during polling.

She alleged that women, children, journalists and TMC workers were assaulted in several areas and claimed many of her party workers had been deliberately detained to prevent them from functioning as polling agents.

Banerjee specifically referred to areas such as Bhatpara, Naihati, Jagaddal and even her own constituency Bhabanipur, alleging intimidation and late-night searches.

Referring to the reported death of an elderly voter in Udaynarayanpur during polling, Banerjee expressed sympathy for the family.

She said the TMC would stand beside them and alleged that her party workers “faced one-sided violence but did not leave the field”.

Exit polls part of ‘larger conspiracy’

Banerjee claimed the exit poll narrative was designed to weaken the morale of TMC workers and stabilise financial markets before counting.

“They are playing their last game through sections of the media to psychologically weaken our workers and reassure the share market,” she alleged.

She also referred to past elections in 2016 and 2021, suggesting that exit polls had previously failed to accurately predict the final outcome in Bengal.

Directs cadres to guard EVM strong rooms

In one of the sharpest parts of her address, Banerjee instructed party leaders, candidates and workers to remain vigilant around strong rooms storing Electronic Voting Machines.

“They have planned that when EVMs are moved from strong rooms to counting halls, attempts could be made to change the machines. Do not be negligent,” she warned.

She urged party workers to monitor counting centres in shifts through the night.

“Stay awake through the night. In the morning, hand over charge to another team and only then go to sleep. If I can stand guard, you can also stand guard,” Banerjee said.

She also advised candidates not to leave counting tables unattended, even briefly, unless replaced by “trusted people who cannot be bought”.

Calls for restraint

Despite the aggressive tone of her allegations, Banerjee appealed to supporters to remain peaceful.

“Remain calm and disciplined. Have faith in the people of Bengal and have faith in Didi (Banerjee). Wait till the evening of May 4, you will get your answer,” she said.

The West Bengal election has witnessed one of the most intense contests in recent years, with both the BJP and TMC running aggressive statewide campaigns.

The counting of votes on 4 May is expected to decide whether Banerjee secures a fourth consecutive term or whether the BJP succeeds in ending the TMC’s long rule in the state.