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CBI Seizes Arms and Ammunition in Sandeshkhali, NSG Commandos Deployed


1. CBI conducts raids in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, seizing arms and ammunition.
2. Recovered items include foreign-made pistols from a house linked to the Trinamool Congress leader.
3. Ongoing searches involve CBI teams digging soil within the premises.


Kolkata, April 26: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, recovering arms and ammunition, including foreign-made pistols, from a house linked to a local Trinamool Congress leader, Sheikh Shahjahan.

The raids are ongoing, with CBI teams digging soil inside the premises.

In response, the West Bengal government moved the Supreme Court, challenging the Calcutta High Court’s decision to hand over the investigation to the CBI. The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter on April 29.

The CBI’s intervention follows the January 5 attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team by a mob allegedly incited by Sheikh Shahjahan.

The ED team was conducting a raid related to an alleged ration scam. The incident prompted the Calcutta High Court to direct the CBI to investigate various alleged offences in Sandeshkhali, including illegal land acquisitions and violence against women.


Also Read: Modi’s Remarkable Connection with Bengal: “My Last Life or Next Birth”

Acting on intelligence about hidden arms in the area, the CBI initiated a search operation, resulting in the recovery of arms and ammunition, including foreign-made pistols.

This development underscores concerns about the law and order situation in Sandeshkhali and allegations of widespread criminal activities.

Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested by the West Bengal Police on February 29 in connection with the attack on the ED team. Following the assault, a deputy director of the ED filed a complaint with the Basirhat superintendent of police.

The deployment of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos in the area underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for enhanced security measures.

The recovery of arms and ammunition raises questions about the proliferation of illegal weapons and the potential for further violence in the region.

As the CBI continues its investigations, the developments in Sandeshkhali highlight broader issues of governance, law enforcement, and political accountability in West Bengal.

Modi’s Remarkable Connection with Bengal: “My Last Life or Next Birth”


1. PM Modi, at a rally in Malda, expressed deep affection for West Bengal.
2. He thanked the crowd, suggesting a strong connection with the state.
3. Modi mused about being born in Bengal in a previous life or in the future.


Malda, April 26: In a fervent display of affection for the people of West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared his deep connection with the state during a Lok Sabha election rally in Malda.

He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout, remarking, “Your love makes me think that I was born in Bengal in my last life or my next birth will be in Bengal.”

TMC’s Scams and Betrayals

Modi didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing them of perpetuating a culture of corruption and deceit.

He highlighted the cancellation of 26,000 jobs due to a high court order, citing it as evidence of the party’s malfeasance.

The Prime Minister lamented the impact of TMC’s scams on Bengal’s youth and families, vowing to prioritize job creation and development.


Also Read: Kuki-Zo Community Maintains Voting Abstention in Manipur’s Second Phase Lok Sabha Elections

Triple Talaq and Women’s Rights

Addressing women voters, particularly in minority-dominated areas, Modi criticized the TMC for opposing the abolition of triple talaq, which he viewed as a betrayal of Muslim women.

He also condemned the alleged indifference of the state government towards victims of sexual abuse, citing recent incidents in Sandeshkhali.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act and Opposition Politics

Modi defended the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) against opposition criticism, asserting that it aimed to grant citizenship, not revoke it. He accused the Congress and TMC of indulging in appeasement politics and misleading the public about the CAA’s objectives.

Critique of INDI Alliance and Tax Proposals

Seizing on remarks by Congress leader Sam Pitroda regarding inheritance tax, Modi accused the Congress and INDI Alliance of planning to confiscate hard-earned wealth from citizens. He criticized their alleged intent to tax even the possessions of poor and Dalit women, framing it as an assault on the common people’s prosperity.

Allegations of Fund Mismanagement

Modi castigated the TMC for mismanaging funds allocated by the Centre for Bengal’s development, alleging widespread corruption among TMC leaders and ministers. He pledged to root out corruption and ensure that allocated funds reach their intended recipients.

Optimism for BJP’s Electoral Prospects

Expressing confidence in the electorate, Modi predicted favorable outcomes for the BJP in both phases of the Lok Sabha elections.

He anticipated further setbacks for parties like the Congress and TMC, which had faced defeat in the first phase.

Kuki-Zo Community Maintains Voting Abstention in Manipur’s Second Phase Lok Sabha Elections


1. The Kuki-Zo community abstained from voting in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi and Senapati Districts during Lok Sabha Polls.
2. Despite other communities participating, Kuki-Zo voters adhered to the directive of their apex body.
3. This abstention marks a continuation of the first phase of polling in the region.


Imphal, April 26: The Kuki-Zo community in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District continued their abstention from voting during the second phase of the Lok Sabha Polls, extending to polling stations in neighboring Senapati District.

While Sadar Hills Kangpokpi concluded its voting in the first phase, Kuki-Zo villages in Karong and Tadubi Assembly Constituencies, falling under Senapati District, saw no votes cast as per the directive of the community’s apex body and civil society organizations.


Also Read: 800 Voters in Silchar Threaten Election Boycott Due to Polling Booth Relocation

This decision marks a consistent stance, as the Kuki-Zo community also abstained from voting in the first phase of the polls.

However, other communities exercised their franchise rights without disruption.

800 Voters in Silchar Threaten Election Boycott Due to Polling Booth Relocation


1. 800 voters from Sonai Azadi Bazar GP Group 3 in Silchar constituency vow election boycott.
2. Their decision follows the controversial last-minute shifting of their polling booth.
3. The abrupt relocation has sparked outrage among the electorate, questioning the integrity of the process.


Silchar, April 26: Amidst the unfolding drama in Assam’s Silchar Lok Sabha constituency, around 800 voters from Group 3 of Sonai Azadi Bazar Gram Panchayat (GP) have issued a resolute statement: they will boycott the elections.

The decision to boycott stems from the sudden and contentious relocation of their polling booth just before the elections.

Traditionally, voters from Group 3 have cast their votes at Swadhin Bazaar High School, conveniently located nearby. However, this electoral cycle brought an unexpected change, moving their polling station to a school nearly 5 kilometers away.


Also Read: Tripura Polling Officer Suspended for Political Comments: Lok Sabha Elections 2024

This abrupt shift has ignited fury among the electorate, who see it as an inconvenience and an attack on their democratic rights.

Among those affected, concerns are heightened for vulnerable groups like women, youth, and the elderly. The distant location of the new polling station poses a significant barrier for these demographics, casting doubt on their ability to participate effectively.

Residents have also raised questions about the suitability of the new polling booth, alleging potential irregularities. Their demand is clear: they want their original polling stations restored immediately.

With their demands unmet, they have chosen to boycott today’s elections en masse, dealing a significant blow to the electoral process in the region.

Tripura Polling Officer Suspended for Political Comments: Lok Sabha Elections 2024


1. Mousumi Ghosh, a polling officer in the Surma assembly segment, East Tripura, was suspended for political comments.
2. Suspension follows Ghosh’s remarks captured on camera about political leaders.
3. Ghosh, a government clerk in Tripura’s Dhalai district, receives a suspension order from the education directorate.


Agartala, April 26: Mousumi Ghosh, a polling officer at the Surma assembly segment under the East Tripura Parliamentary constituency, faced suspension today following an incident where she was captured making comments about political leaders on camera.

Ghosh, employed as a government clerk at a higher secondary school in Tripura’s Dhalai district, received a suspension order from the secondary education directorate.

This action was taken per the direction of the East Tripura Parliamentary constituency Returning Officer, as per information provided by an official.


Also Read: AIUDF Polling Agent Passes Away Inside Hailakandi Polling Booth in Assam

The suspension came as a response to Ghosh’s comments, which were deemed inappropriate for a polling officer.

The incident occurred amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024, raising concerns about maintaining neutrality and impartiality among election officials.

While the specifics of Ghosh’s comments were not disclosed, the nature of her remarks prompted swift disciplinary action.

The suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity and impartiality of the electoral process.

Election officials, including polling officers, are expected to conduct their duties with neutrality, ensuring fair and transparent elections. Any behavior or actions that may compromise the integrity of the electoral process are subject to disciplinary measures, as seen in Ghosh’s case.

The suspension of Ghosh underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process and upholding the principles of democracy.

It serves as a warning to other election officials to adhere to the code of conduct and refrain from engaging in any activities that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

As the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 progress, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the conduct of election officials to prevent any incidents that could potentially impact the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process.

The suspension of Mousumi Ghosh serves as a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in electoral duties.

AIUDF Polling Agent Passes Away Inside Hailakandi Polling Booth in Assam


1. Farooq Ahmad, an AIUDF polling agent, tragically passed away at a Hailakandi polling booth.
2. The incident occurred at the Gollashera Primary School polling center on April 26.
3. Ahmad collapsed while performing his duties; a brain stroke is suspected as the cause.


Guwahati, April 26: In a tragic turn of events, Farooq Ahmad, an AIUDF polling agent, passed away at a polling booth in Hailakandi, Assam, on April 26.

The incident unfolded at the Gollashera Primary School polling center along the Assam-Mizoram border. While performing his duties, Ahmad suddenly collapsed and was pronounced dead on the spot. Local sources suspect a brain stroke as the cause of death.

As of 9 am, Assam registered a 9.71% voter turnout in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls. Diphu witnessed the highest turnout at 14.13%, while Silchar recorded the lowest at 5.49%.


Also Read: Clash Erupts Among Voters in Moirabari, Nagaon Constituency, Delaying Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024

For this phase, Assam set up 9,133 polling stations across its five constituencies. Anurag Goel, the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, affirmed that all arrangements were in place for the second phase of elections during a press conference in Guwahati.

Approximately 77,09,276 voters are expected to cast their votes across these stations.

The phase features 61 candidates vying for the five constituencies, with Karimganj having the highest number of candidates (24) and Diphu the lowest (5). Voting commenced at 7 am and will continue until 5 pm

Supreme Court Dismisses Pleas for 100% Cross Verification in EVM-VVPAT Case


1. The Supreme Court dismissed petitions requesting full cross-verification of votes cast via EVMs and VVPATs.
2. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta concurred in rejecting the pleas, including calls for ballot paper reinstatement.
3. The court upheld the existing electoral process, permitting post-result microcontroller verification upon candidates’ requests within seven days.


New Delhi, April 26: The Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking complete cross-verification of votes using EVMs and VVPATs, upholding the current electoral process.

Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta concurred in rejecting the pleas, including those advocating a return to ballot papers.

However, the court permitted verification of EVM microcontrollers by the manufacturer upon request from candidates ranking second and third.

This verification request can be made within seven days of the election results declaration, subject to a fee payment.


Also Read: Clash Erupts Among Voters in Moirabari, Nagaon Constituency, Delaying Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Additionally, the court issued directives: symbol loading unit containers should be sealed in the presence of polling agents and candidates for 45 days, and post-result counting, the control unit, ballot unit, and VVPAT shall be verified by engineers from manufacturing companies.

Previously, doubts were raised about EVM efficacy, with claims of possible tampering to manipulate results, prompting the court to seek clarifications from the Election Commission.

The apex court emphasized it couldn’t interfere with elections solely based on doubts about EVMs’ reliability and rejected calls to revert to ballot papers.

NGO ‘Association for Democratic Reforms sought a reversal of the EC’s 2017 decision to replace VVPAT’s transparent glass with an opaque one, also advocating a return to the old ballot paper system.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, which began on April 19, are scheduled to conclude with result announcements on June 4.

Clash Erupts Among Voters in Moirabari, Nagaon Constituency, Delaying Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024


1. Clash erupts at Moirabari polling station during Lok Sabha elections Phase 2 in Assam.
2. Tensions rise as voters dispute queue at Polling Centre No. 279, Durabandi Secondary School.
3. The situation was brought under control with police intervention; some individuals were reportedly injured in the clash.


Guwahati, April 26: Amidst the ongoing second phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 26, tensions flared at a polling station in Moirabari under the Nagaon Parliamentary Constituency in Assam.

Reports indicate that a clash erupted over individuals attempting to break away from the queue at Polling Centre No. 279, Durabandi Secondary School.


Also Read: Malfunctioning EVMs Delay Voting in Assam During Lok Sabha Elections 2024

What began as a disagreement quickly escalated into a full-fledged confrontation, resulting in injuries to several individuals as police intervened to restore order.

The root cause of the altercation was purportedly a dispute regarding the voter queue.

Authorities swiftly intervened to diffuse the situation, bringing the unrest under control and ensuring the safety of voters and election personnel alike.

Malfunctioning EVMs Delay Voting in Assam During Lok Sabha Elections 2024


1. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 begin with reports of EVM malfunctions in Assam.
2. Initial incidents followed by more in Moirabari, Mangaldoi, Diphu, and Dhing.
3. Malfunctions cause disruptions in the voting process, raising concerns during the elections.


Guwahati, April 26: As the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 kicked off, reports of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions surfaced in several polling booths across Assam, causing disruptions in the voting process.

Initially, three instances of EVM malfunctions were reported, followed by additional incidents in various locations including Moirabari, Mangaldoi, Diphu, and Dhing.

At Moirabari’s Pub Ulubari Primary School, polling booth No. 293 encountered an EVM malfunction, leading to a delay in the commencement of voting.


Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections Phase 2: EC Forecasts Normal Weather; Heatwave Expected in Certain States

Similarly, in Dhing’s Khoiramari area, polling booth No. 122 faced technical issues with the EVM, resulting in further delays.

In Diphu, voting was temporarily halted at polling booth No. 110 due to an EVM breakdown. However, after swift repairs, the voting process resumed without significant disruption.

Meanwhile, at Bamunpara Primary School in Mangaldoi, a malfunction in the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine caused a 25-minute delay in the initiation of voting, adding to the challenges faced by election officials and voters alike.

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 2: EC Forecasts Normal Weather; Heatwave Expected in Certain States


1. Phase 2 of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections began, spanning 88 parliamentary constituencies.
2. IMD predicts normal weather, with potential heatwave conditions in select regions.
3. Voters urged to cast ballots comfortably; special measures in place for hot weather.


New Delhi, April 26: Phase 2 of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections commenced on Friday, covering 88 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and one Union Territory.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts normal weather, though heatwave conditions are expected in some areas.

According to a statement from the Election Commission of India (ECI), arrangements have been made at polling stations to ensure voter comfort despite the weather. In Bihar, polling hours have been extended until 6 PM in certain areas due to the heat.

Assured Minimum Facilities such as water, shelter, and accessibility measures are in place, particularly for elderly and disabled voters. Special attention has been given to coping with hot weather conditions.

The ECI held discussions with relevant agencies to assess the weather situation and mitigate any risks during the elections.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that meetings were held with authorities like the National Disaster Management Authority and the Meteorological Department to evaluate conditions.


Also Read: Voting Commences in Tripura East Parliamentary Constituency Amid Tight Security

The IMD’s forecast indicates normal weather for the second phase of polling, with recent rainfall alleviating some effects of the heat.

However, warnings for heatwave to severe heatwave conditions have been issued for various regions in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh over the next five days.

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