PM Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Coimbatore, said DMK and Congress “derailed” a bill that could have increased women’s representation, adding many Tamil women “would have become MPs and MLAs.” (PTI/Screengrab)Fadnavis criticizes Mamata over Migration: PM Modi, addressing an election rally in Coimbatore, urged women to question the DMK for opposing a bill on women’s representation, calling it a “denial of a golden opportunity.” He accused the DMK of increasing state debt while enriching its top leadership, and said the party “harms women” both in governance and Parliament, warning it will face a response for its “anti-women stand.”
Rahul Gandhi, while addressing an election rally in Tamil Nadu’s Thuraiyur, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “controlled by Donald Trump” and said the BJP wants the same approach to be followed by the AIADMK leadership in Tamil Nadu. He also said PM Modi is a “compromised PM” who “cannot look into our eyes in Parliament.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised the Mamata Banerjee government, alleging that people were leaving West Bengal for work due to poor governance. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, he said the large number of migrants leaving the state reflected a “failure of the government”.
Click here to view the full list of Tamil Nadu AIADMK candidates
PM Modi, addressing election rally in Coimbatore, urged women to question the DMK for opposing a bill on women’s representation, calling it a “denial of a golden opportunity.”
He accused the DMK of increasing state debt while enriching its top leadership, and said the party “harms women” both in governance and Parliament, warning it will face a response for its “anti-women stand.”
— PTI
PM Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Coimbatore, said DMK and Congress “derailed” a bill that could have increased women’s representation, adding many Tamil women “would have become MPs and MLAs.”
He asserted that the BJP-NDA will “continue to struggle for Tamil Nadu’s rights” and attacked the DMK, saying, “By wearing black clothes, you cannot cover up your ‘black deeds’.”
— PTI
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu Polls 2026: Addressing an election rally in Coimbatore, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, "By wearing black clothes, DMK cannot cover up their wrong intentions. I want to tell the DMK that the people know your 'black deeds.' You cannot escape them any longer."… pic.twitter.com/7bkLA8xuIu
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 18, 2026
Abhishek Banerjee said the Modi government should “reduce fertiliser costs instead of shedding crocodile tears for farmers” while addressing a rally in Pandua.
He accused the Centre of failing to address farmers’ real concerns during the election campaign.
— PTI
The Election Commission of India has set a structured process for issuing authorisation letters to media personnel for poll day coverage, with multiple levels of scrutiny and approval.
It said only verified journalists will be allowed inside polling stations, warning that misuse of authorisation letters and photography inside voting compartments is strictly prohibited.
The Election Commission of India has outlined a structured process for issuing authorisation letters to media persons for poll day coverage, involving multiple levels of scrutiny and approval. It emphasised that only verified and authorised media personnel will be allowed access… pic.twitter.com/xztlVusbFE
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 18, 2026
UP CM Yogi Adityanath holds a roadshow in Bankura campaigning for BJP candidate Niladri Shekhar Dana.
VIDEO | West Bengal: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds a roadshow for BJP candidate Niladri Shekhar Dana in Bankura.#assemblypollswithpti #westbengalpollswithpti
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 18, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/UrnG0ylZjZ
Rahul Gandhi, addressing a rally in Tamil Nadu's Thuraiyur, claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a “compromised PM” who “cannot look into our eyes in Parliament.”
He alleged that Modi is “controlled by Donald Trump” and said the BJP wants the same approach to be followed by the AIADMK leadership in Tamil Nadu.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu polls: During an election rally at Thuraiyur, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) says, “You must have seen PM Modi’s face in Parliament. Whenever he comes to Parliament, he cannot look into our eyes. The reason is that he is a compromised PM. He has been… pic.twitter.com/sCXEwqG5Km
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the SIR process will include all Indian citizens while excluding “illegal Bangladeshi Muslims,” accusing Mamata Banerjee of opposing it without reason.
He also targeted the Congress, saying alleged disrespect towards women by opposition leaders has angered voters and could lead to the party’s downfall.
VIDEO | Kalimpong, West Bengal: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) says, “Mamata Didi is opposing SIR without any valid reason. This process will include the names of all Indian citizens, while excluding illegal Bangladeshi Muslims…The way Rahul Gandhi and the… pic.twitter.com/y9NBZyQmaW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 18, 2026
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday accused the BJP-led Central government of not releasing funds due to the state and alleged that it was “snatching” Tamil Nadu’s rights. Speaking during the election campaign, the DMK leader criticised the Centre over financial allocations to the state.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsSTORY | Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for Tamil Nadu
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 18, 2026
Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
READ:… pic.twitter.com/7jHpTxpusi
With less than three weeks left for the April 9 Assembly election, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangaswamy moved to steady the NDA in the Union Territory by reaffirming his party AINRC’s alliance with the BJP and agreeing to accommodate the newly formed Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi led by the elder son of lottery businessman Santiago Martin.
Under the seat-sharing arrangement, the AINRC will contest 16 of the 30 Assembly seats, while the BJP will field candidates in 10 constituencies. The AIADMK and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi will contest two seats each.
Rangaswamy, who initially resisted the inclusion of the new party in the alliance, relented after discussions with BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He filed his nomination papers on Friday from Thattanchavadi and Mangalam and is set to be the NDA’s chief ministerial face.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised the Mamata Banerjee government, alleging that people were leaving West Bengal for work due to poor governance. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, he said the large number of migrants leaving the state reflected a “failure of the government”.
Fadnavis also rejected allegations of attacks on Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states such as Maharashtra, saying the state had a “thriving Bengali community”. He further alleged that illegal infiltration from Bangladesh had led to demographic changes in border areas of West Bengal and claimed that infiltrators would be sent back if the BJP comes to power in the state.
Visuals from AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami' Assembly election campaign in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli.
#watch | AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami campaigns in Tiruchirappalli for Tamil Nadu Assembly polls
— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2026
(Video Source: AIADMK) pic.twitter.com/8pTHXcyX7K
At a poll rally in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin urged people to participate in the April 23 elections and "give back" to the BJP-led Central government for not providing adequate funds to the state.
He called on voters to retaliate by denying space to the BJP and its ally, AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.
"Did the BJP government provide funds or projects to Tamil Nadu? People should retaliate against the vindictive BJP for not providing central schemes or funds. Give back to the BJP by defeating them in the Assembly elections," Stalin said.
"Defeat the 'Delhi team' and make Tamil Nadu win," he added.
(PTI)
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee dances on stage during a poll rally in Cooch Behar
VIDEO | WB polls: CM Mamata Banerjee dances on stage after addressing Cooch Behar poll rally.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2026
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/cVEV1a2jsp
At a poll rally in West Bengal's Cooch Behar, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP is planning to plant bombs during the Assembly elections.
She claimed that such incidents will be used to bring in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and shift the blame onto TMC workers.
VIDEO | West Bengal Polls 2026: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing a poll rally in Cooch Behar, claims that the BJP is planning to plant bombs during the Bengal elections, bring in the NIA for investigation, and then blame and arrest TMC workers.#assemblypollswithpti… pic.twitter.com/2rpKfapIzx
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2026
The Election Commission of India said that campaign-related seizures in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have crossed Rs 865 crore.
The Commission has deployed Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) across the both states to ensure free and fair elections.
General Elections and bye-elections 2026: Seizures surpass Rs. 865 crores in TN and WB.
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 17, 2026
Read more : https://t.co/XuMfqjVqxQ pic.twitter.com/9QAIZLGgNd
CM MK Stalin in Madurai for Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu polls 2026: CM MK Stalin (@mkstalin) arrives in Madurai for election campaigning.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#assemblypollswithpti#tamilnadupollswithpti pic.twitter.com/s4AAtwXZCS
In Tamil Nadu's Bodinayakkanur Assembly constituency, DMK candidate O. Panneerselvam said that the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance is leading the campaign in the state Assembly elections.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu polls: DMK’s Bodinayakkanur Assembly constituency candidate O. Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) canvasses votes at a mosque in TVK Nagar; says the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance is leading in the ongoing Assembly election campaign.#assemblypollswithpti… pic.twitter.com/Jr1CIpwOlx
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2026
To encourage voter participatio, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) operated a special 'Democracy Express'. The train ran from Darjeeling station to Batasia Loop.
Polling in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills will take place on April 23 in the first phase of the state assembly elections.
"By harnessing the charm of the iconic UNESCO World Heritage toy train, the initiative successfully captured the attention of both local residents and tourists, transforming a scenic railway journey into a powerful statement on the significance of the Assembly election," an official said.
(PTI)
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami addressing a poll rally in Sangagiri, said Tamil Nadu will become a drug-free state if his party comes to power in the upcoming Assembly elections.
"Students are addicted to drug abuse and time has come to put an end to it. Once the AIADMK assumes power, the sale of ganja will be completely eradicated. We will transform Tamil Nadu into a drug-free state," Palaniswami said.
(PTI)
BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha, speaking in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli, said that if any state stands to benefit from delimitation, it is Tamil Nadu. He said that DMK is making such claims due to 'election heat' as the NDA gains public support.
"The DMK has lost its mind in the election heat because NDA is gaining people's support," Sinha said.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu Polls: “If at all any state is gaining from delimitation, it is Tamil Nadu; DMK has lost its mind in the election heat because NDA is gaining people's support,” says BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha (@tuhins) in Tiruchirappalli.#assemblypollswithpti… pic.twitter.com/eXLyBREMDI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2026
Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Friday alleged that infiltration was a major issue in West Bengal and accused the Mamata Banerjee government of allowing demographic changes in the state. Speaking in Kolkata, he claimed that infiltrators were being brought in to ensure the government remained in power.
Fadnavis said such developments were “dangerous for the country” and asserted that if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, “anti-national forces will be thrown out of the country.”
DMK leader TKS Elangovan on Friday said the party supports women’s reservation but opposes the proposed delimitation exercise linked to the bill. Speaking in Chennai, he alleged that increasing the total number of parliamentary seats could disproportionately benefit northern states.
Elangovan said southern states that strictly implemented population control measures could end up with comparatively fewer seats if delimitation is carried out based on population. He maintained that the DMK’s opposition is to delimitation, not to women’s reservation.
(PTI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday held a roadshow in Siliguri in support of BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh from the Siliguri Assembly constituency.
Addressing supporters during the campaign, Sharma said the enthusiasm among people showed that voters in West Bengal had “made up their mind to remove this corrupt government”. He added that the BJP was confident of winning the state with a “huge majority”.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Siliguri, West Bengal | Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma holds a roadshow in support of BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh from Siliguri Assembly constituency.
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma says, "You can see the enthusiasm of the people here. You can… pic.twitter.com/WY1jFjoSmC
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said Congress leader Pawan Khera should “surrender before the law” and come to Guwahati. Speaking in North Dinajpur, West Bengal, Sarma said Khera should appear before authorities in connection with the case against him.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | North Dinajpur, West Bengal | On Congress leader Pawan Khera, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "I think Pawan Khera should surrender before the law. He should come to Guwahati and surrender there." pic.twitter.com/bnxO4y3GaL
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday held an election campaign in the Sankagiri Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu. The former Chief Minister addressed party workers and voters as campaigning intensifies ahead of the April 23 Assembly polls in the state.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Tamil Nadu: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami holds an election campaign in the Sankagiri Assembly constituency.
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026
(Source: AIADMK) pic.twitter.com/3eXajKiE4q
Income Tax Department officials on Friday carried out searches at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Debashis Kumar in Kolkata. Visuals from the spot showed officials conducting the raids, while further details about the operation are awaited.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: Income Tax raids underway at TMC leader Debashis Kumar's house. More details are awaited.#kolkata #kolkatanews
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/5yoD0rk7Pk
AIADMK general secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday criticised Chief Minister M K Stalin and the DMK over their stand on the Women’s Reservation Bill. Addressing an election rally in Tiruppur district’s Palladam constituency, Palaniswami alleged that despite having 39 MPs in Parliament, the DMK had failed to effectively raise Tamil Nadu’s concerns.
He claimed Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clarified that Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary representation would increase to 59 seats and said the state’s share would not decline. Palaniswami also accused the DMK government of corruption and poor governance, alleging rising prices, worsening law and order, and failure to generate jobs despite investment agreements signed by the state.
(ANI Inputs)
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and DMK candidate from Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni, Udhayanidhi Stalin, on Friday alleged that the Centre was withholding funds meant for the state. Speaking in Tiruppur during an election campaign, he said the current political contest was “a fight between Tamil Nadu and Delhi”.
He also criticised the proposed delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, claiming the state’s representation had been reduced. “They say it should be 59 through delimitation, but it has been fixed at only 47,” he said while addressing party workers and supporters.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin addressed an election rally in Kangayam on Friday as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Assembly polls in the state. The DMK leader campaigned for party candidates and urged voters to support the ruling alliance in the upcoming elections.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Tamil Nadu election: Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin holds an election rally in Kangayam.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/BqkZyR40eR
The Income Tax Department on Friday conducted searches at the residence and party office of Trinamool Congress heavyweight candidate Debasish Kumar, days after he was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, with the ruling TMC and the BJP locked in a high-stakes contest.
Former Tamil Nadu BJP president and leader K Annamalai on Friday welcomed the provision of 33% reservation for women in legislatures, saying it would enable women from ordinary and rural backgrounds to enter politics and lead change. Speaking in Dindigul, he said the proposal would also increase the total number of Lok Sabha seats by around 50%.
On Delimitation, Annamalai alleged that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had been spreading “false claims” about the proposal. He said the share of seats for southern states would remain unchanged at around 21.9% even after the increase in the total number of MPs.
(ANI)
Tamil Nadu ministers K N Nehru and Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi campaigned in Tiruchirappalli on Friday, highlighting the achievements of the DMK government and promising to protect traders’ interests if the party returns to power. The two leaders undertook a padyatra in the busy Gandhi Market area in support of DMK’s Tiruchirappalli East candidate Inigo Irudayaraj, interacting with traders and residents while seeking votes for the alliance candidate.
Addressing traders, the ministers assured that Gandhi Market would continue to function at its present location and would not be relocated. They also appealed to voters to support the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol in the upcoming polls.
The Tiruchirappalli East constituency is expected to see a high-profile contest with Irudayaraj seeking to retain the seat, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief and actor Vijay is making his electoral debut from the constituency. AIADMK has fielded G Rajasekaran. Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.
(ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday sharpened her attack on the BJP during the final week of campaigning for the Assembly elections, accusing the party of being “Bangla-Birodhi”. Campaigning in Cooch Behar district, Banerjee said she would not allow “Bangla-Birodhi Zamindars” to inflict misery on the people and vowed to protect Bengal’s rights, secular fabric and inclusive ethos.
In a post on X, she said she had walked “every step” of her political journey with the people—from student politics to serving three terms as Chief Minister—and urged voters to support the Trinamool Congress symbol “Joraphool”.
Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The contest is expected to be primarily between the ruling TMC, seeking a fourth consecutive term, and the BJP.
(ANI)
BJP candidate from Kharagpur Sadar, Dilip Ghosh, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Women’s Reservation Bill and said a rally by women would be held in Kharagpur to express gratitude. Speaking in Paschim Medinipur, Ghosh said women and the country “will not forgive those who oppose this bill.”
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal: On the Women's reservation bill, BJP candidate Dilip Ghosh from Kharagpur Sadar says, "... We want to thank PM Modi. A rally will be held by women in Kharagpur today to thank him... Women and the country will not forgive those who oppose… pic.twitter.com/ZiUO04jUxP
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026
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