Times of India

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will meet President Murmu on May 5 to "safeguard the mandate of the people" following the defection of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Mann, accompanied by party MLAs, will press for the "recall" of the MPs, though legal provisions for such a recall are absent.

Exit polls suggest a mixed verdict across states as West Bengal anticipates a hung assembly, potentially ending Mamata Banerjee's tenure. Tamil Nadu might see actor Vijay's TVK emerge as a significant force, challenging the established duopoly. Assam favors a BJP hat-trick, while Kerala's Left government faces a potential defeat. Puducherry's NDA is expected to retain power.

A parolee, Sundar Fauji, accused in a 2018 murder, was shot dead in broad daylight in Kasan village. Police suspect a revenge killing, with the assailant reportedly being the son of the man Fauji was accused of murdering. The suspect fled the scene, and authorities are actively searching for him.

The Pentagon estimates the war with Iran has cost $25 billion, though sources suggest the true figure could reach $50 billion due to unincluded repair costs. Officials defended the ongoing conflict, calling it an "existential fight" and dismissing concerns of it becoming a "quagmire."

Young Salil Arora's audacious 10-ball 30, featuring a stunning no-look six off Jasprit Bumrah, stole the show in a high-scoring IPL 2026 match. Despite a star-studded Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup, Arora's fearless finishing, including an unbeaten 30, sealed a dominant chase, repaying the franchise's faith in his potential. Despite modest returns initially, SRH continued to back Arora in the lower order. That faith was repaid last night.

Former US President Donald Trump linked the Ukraine conflict with US operations against Iran. He suggested both situations might follow a similar timeline. Trump also stated Ukraine was militarily defeated. He discussed a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine and assistance with Iran. Putin reportedly offered help on Iran's uranium issue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to help manage Iran's enriched uranium stockpile during a call with US President Donald Trump. Trump, however, prioritized Putin's involvement in ending the Ukraine war, stating his main concern is the conflict in Ukraine. The US president also indicated a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would continue to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.

The Mumbai Indians left fans scratching their heads by employing Shardul Thakur as an Impact Sub while he never got the chance to bowl a single ball. This curious tactic came after a dismal display against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Thakur's experience could have potentially turned the tides. On a day when every MI bowler went at an economy of over 10, it was baffling to see the bowler with over 100 IPL wickets not getting a bowl.

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Central forces personnel at a polling booth in Gaighata allegedly prevented elderly men from voting in their lungis, citing dress code violations. This led to protests from villagers and Trinamool members, who accused the forces of harassment. The restriction was later withdrawn after the unrest.

Candace Owens faced fresh online backlash after a strange Charlie Kirk show clip and a leaked chat screenshot went viral. A controversial line from the chat sparked strong reactions, but Owens said it was taken out of context and meant as a joke. The debate now centers on authenticity, editing, and whether the full story is being shown.

Falta constituency witnessed a high-stakes election day with IPS Ajay Pal Sharma, dubbed 'Singham', patrolling while TMC candidate Jahangir Khan, 'Pushpa', monitored from his control room. Despite charged rhetoric, the anticipated confrontation didn't materialize, overshadowed by EVM complaints, leading to a repoll in Falta.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Bengal's record voter turnout signals a change, expressing confidence in the BJP's victory. He also predicted NDA's retention of Assam and Puducherry, with potential surprises in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Modi highlighted the high turnout as a reflection of fear-free elections and voters' awareness of their democratic rights.

West Bengal witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout of 92.9% across two phases, surpassing previous records and nearing India's highest. This surge, particularly in Kolkata, is attributed to voter roll corrections and enhanced security. Despite a reduced electorate, more votes were cast, with women outvoting men. Officials are investigating complaints of vote tampering.

Two men died after their car fell into a 150-foot gorge and caught fire on the Bharwain-Hoshiarpur road in Una district. The occupants, returning from Chintpurni temple, were charred to death. In a separate incident, over a dozen Delhi devotees were injured when their mini-van rolled off the road in Bilaspur district.