The Today’s Chanakya Exit Poll 2026 projections suggest a clear electoral trend across major states, with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) likely to retain power in Tamil Nadu, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to secure a dominant victory in West Bengal and maintain a strong
FDI norms soon for companies with part-Chinese stakeThe Cabinet on March 10 allowed the automatic approval route for overseas investors with up to 10% ownership from countries sharing a land border with India Updated on: May 01, 2026 6:53 AM IST By Rajeev Jayaswal Share via Copy link The government
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday reserved its order on a plea by the Trinamool Congress challenging the Election Commission’s decision to mandate the deployment of Union government employees as counting supervisors during the West Bengal election results, Bar and Bench reported
The first edition of The Economic Times ET GenAI Hackathon has wrapped up, with winners announced after participation from over 54,000 registrants nationwide. The three-phase competition showcased innovative GenAI solutions, awarded a ₹10 lakh prize pool
OAKLAND, Calif. — Elon Musk on Thursday sparred with an attorney for OpenAI during his third day of testimony in the contentious trial over the company's pivot from nonprofit status to a for-profit venture valued at hundreds of billions of dollars
Chris Wood almost led Nottingham Forest to the Champions League last season. After six months out, he could yet do it this time. The striker's unstoppable penalty gave Forest a narrow first-leg lead in their Europa League semi-final tussle with Aston Villa on Thursday
Cognizant’s move coincides with the rollout of ‘Project Leap’, a transformation programme aimed at boosting AI investments, strengthening digital capabilities and reskilling staff. IT major Cognizant Technology is planning to cut nearly 4,000 jobs, or about 1 per cent of its workforce
Air travel between India and Qatar is set to regain momentum after an extended period of disruption, with key Indian airlines preparing to restart operations at Hamad International Airport, Doha. After nearly two months of severely restricted air traffic in the region
Bengal CEO pushes action on post-poll violence as TMC stages sit-in over EVM irregularity claims
West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer has ordered immediate arrests for post-poll violence. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress candidates are protesting outside an EVM strongroom in Kolkata. They allege procedural issues with EVM storage. The Chief Electoral Officer has stated EVMs are secure and dismissed claims of irregularities. Central forces will remain in the state. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Thursday directed senior officials to adopt a "zero tolerance" approach to post-poll violence, ordering that those responsible be arrested by nightfall, even as Trinamool Congress candidates staged a sit-in outside an EVM strongroom in Kolkata, alleging procedural irregularities in post-poll EVM storage.
Agarwal issued the directions during a virtual meeting with district magistrates and superintendents of police while reviewing the law and order situation following the second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, which concluded on Wednesday.
"Those who created trouble after the polls must be arrested by tonight," Agarwal said, according to sources in the CEO's office.
Reports of political clashes emerged from several parts of the state hours after polling ended on Wednesday evening, prompting the Election Commission to step up surveillance. Incidents of unrest were reported from areas such as Behala and Garia in Kolkata, as well as from various districts.Also read: Exit Poll Results: Today’s Chanakya predicts BJP tsunami in Bengal with 192+ seats; Vijay’s TVK set to gain big in TN; Himanta ahead in Assam
Sources said the CEO stressed that the administration must remain equally vigilant in the post-poll period and take immediate action in case of any unrest. Agarwal also reminded officials that the election process is still underway and emphasised the need to ensure there are no lapses in security arrangements during the counting of votes on May 4 and the period thereafter.
The Election Commission has also decided to retain around 700 companies of central forces in the state even after the conclusion of polling, officials said.
Strongroom row
Separately, TMC candidates Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in Kolkata, where EVMs from the second phase are being stored, alleging that party workers stationed outside the strongroom were asked to leave in the afternoon and were later informed via email that the facility would be reopened at 4 pm.
"Party workers and supporters were present outside the strongroom till 3.30 pm. Suddenly, an email was sent informing me that the strongroom would be open again at 4 pm. We contacted our workers and they said they had left. We then rushed. Now we are not being allowed to enter. BJP is being invited," Ghosh claimed.
Panja, contesting the Shyampukur constituency, raised procedural concerns. "The strongroom is extremely sensitive. If it is opened, all political parties must be informed. Why was no one informed?" she said.
TMC's poll agent for the Belaghata seat, Tarak Chatterjee, alleged that "postal ballots have been fabricated inside the strongroom." Another TMC leader alleged that live streaming showed activity inside the facility. "Ballot papers are being moved inside. Yet the CEO is saying nothing is happening. If postal ballots are being processed, where did they come from?" he asked.
TMC sources said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also heading to the centre to take stock of the situation.
CEO: EVMs secure, no irregularities
Agarwal maintained that the allegations of EVMs being illegally moved or stolen are baseless, clarifying that reserve machines are routinely transported as part of standard preparedness, carried by sector officers in GPS-tracked vehicles under armed security at all times. He added that lists of backup machines are shared in advance with all contesting candidates, and that unused reserve machines after polling are transported to designated warehouses, not counting centres.
On BJP allegations of EVM tampering using tapes or ink, the CEO said the commission would order a repoll in booths where such charges are proven true, and that any such decision would be based on reports from district election officers or election observers.
Banerjee's vigil callEarlier in the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had urged party leaders, candidates, and workers to maintain a 24-hour vigil outside EVM strongrooms. "You must guard the counting centres. There is a plan to change the machines while transporting EVMs. Do not take this lightly," she said in a video message, adding that no party worker should leave the counting table without her formal instruction.
The second phase of polling saw voting by several key political figures, including Banerjee, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, and BJP candidate Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Rebel BJP MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma joins TMC ahead of West Bengal polls Myanmar junta stages election after five years of civil war Talks on which parties will contest which seats in Bihar in final stages Sena (UBT) stages protests against India-Pak Asia Cup cricket match Man stages street play on stray dog issue in Kerala India-US trade deal under final stages of detailing Indian CEO copy-pastes Florida CEO’s post EC issues fresh post-poll guidelines for Bengal assembly elections Bengal Administration Pushes Back On EC Order To Suspend Officers Over Voter Roll Irregularities Nvidia CEO Pushes Back On AI Fears Over Software Firms As Nvidia Delivers Blockbuster Forecast
Gujarat Titans secured a four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Gujarat Titans chose to field first. Royal Challengers Bengaluru were bowled out for 155. Gujarat Titans chased down the target with 25 balls remaining. Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler played key roles in the chase
Just now
Tamil Nadu Exit Poll: Superstar Vijay’s TVK projected for historic debut with 120 seats; a new MGR-style rise? Tamil Nadu exit polls 2026: A dramatic transformation is imminent in the politics of Tamil Nadu. As per the Axis My India exit poll, the newly formed political party of superstar Vijay
Just now
TRAI pushes for tech that enables real-time accident alerts, traffic monitoringThe technology will be enabled by on-board wireless communication devices and can allow features for safety, such as warning drivers of an impending collision. Updated on: May 01
Just now
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath in a column in the Indian Express on April 28 headlined “Story of new UP” spoke of restoring “dignity, belonging, and hope” to the state. No child of Uttar Pradesh “should ever feel compelled to leave home in search of dignity and opportunity”
Just now
Adani Ports Q4 Results: Adani Ports posts strong Q4 results with profit up 10 per cent and revenue surging 26 per cent, while outlining ambitious plans to double growth by 2030. Adani Ports Q4 Results: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, closed the March quarter on a strong note
Just now
China will scrap tariffs for all African countries from Friday – except Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan. As of December 2024, China had already implemented a duty-free policy for 33 least-developed African nations. The policy now covers 53 countries
Just now
How two months of war in West Asia hit global markets and the economyHere is a look at the war's impact so far on global financial markets and the economy. Updated on: May 01, 2026 6:18 AM IST By Sreedev Krishnakumar Share via Copy link Two months after the US-Israel war with Iran began on February
Just now
Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients. Misleading food ads are fuelling a public health crisis in India. Help Scroll expose the systemic failure. Support our investigation.Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients
Just now
On April 29, the second day of polling in West Bengal, a viral video from the state showed a group of men assaulting others in a narrow lane. Strikingly, Central forces patrolling the lane watched the violence, without intervening. Media reports described it as a clash between workers of the
Just now
Prosecutors in California have filed a criminal charge against Britney Spears over her arrest last month for allegedly driving under the influence. The pop star is facing one misdemeanour count of driving under the influence of any alcohol and drug
Just now
US jobless claims dropped significantly last week, falling below 200,000. This occurred despite ongoing economic challenges, including the war in Iran and elevated oil prices. Consumer prices have also seen a substantial monthly increase. The Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate
Just now
All Maharashtra council candidates to be elected unopposed after Congress opts outOf the ten seats, nine are due for biennial elections as sitting members retire on May 13. Published on: May 01, 2026 6:52 AM IST By Faisal Malik, Saurabha Kulshreshtha Share via Copy link All candidates contesting
Just now
OnePlus Pad 4 arrives in India with a big 13,380mAh battery: Price, specs, featuresThe OnePlus Pad 4 will be up for grabs in India starting May 5. Users will get an instant discount of ₹5,000 on its purchase. Updated on: Apr 30, 2026 4:55 PM IST Share via Copy link You may be interested in 11%
Just now
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on a plea for anticipatory bail filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera. The case involves allegations of defamation and forgery against the wife of Assam's Chief Minister. Khera argues his statements only constitute defamation
Just now
As planting season dawned across South East Asia's rice fields, Suchart Piamsomboon, a 60-year-old farmer from Thailand's Chachoengsao province, went to the local shop for fertilisers. And, he was told, it might not arrive. Even if it did, it would cost over 1
Just now
Following the completion of the voting in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Wednesday, the exit polls for the five states, in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, are out. In 2026, most pollsters are of the opinion that the BJP will retain power in Assam and Puducherry
Just now
From the latest Yellowstone spin-off to a new take on William Golding's classic novel about violent schoolboys, and a supernatural series produced by the Stranger Things creators – these are the best series to watch and stream. Jack Thorne, writer of the brilliant series Adolescence and the hit
Just now
UGC NET Registrations: There has been a major change in the eligibility criteria this year. Students with a four-year undergraduate degree (FYUGP) can also appear for NET. UGC NET June 2026: The National Testing Agency has released the UGC NET June 2026 notification
Just now
Indian techie with ₹40 lakh loan forced to return after H1B setback, says job market feels ‘brutal’An Indian techie returned from the US after an H1B setback, faced a tough job market and struggled with a ₹40 lakh loan. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 9:44 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share
Just now
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has condemned ongoing military and economic pressure on Iran, arguing that measures such as the US naval blockade of its ports are effectively a continuation of hostile actions against the country In a post on X on Thursday, Pezeshkian said
Just now
The Vande Bharat will stop at only four stations: Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal, and Srinagar. Pilgrims headed to Vaishno Devi get a direct pick-up at Katra. The wait is finally over. Today, April 30, 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off the Jammu–Srinagar Vande
Just now
What if The Devil Wears Prada characters were tarot cards?Tarot reader Kishori Sud did something fun and decoded the characters of The Devil Wears Prada as tarot cards, based on their personality. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 8:40 PM IST By Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link After a long 20-year
Just now
Both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel compete directly across almost every telecom service in India, and their Rs 355 prepaid plans are no different. This price point is not for everyone, as the 30-day validity makes it a relatively expensive option compared to plans that offer daily data limits
Just now
How many NBA titles does Klay Thomson have? Rings and achievements sparks buzz amid Megan Thee Stallion rowKlay Thompson has gained public attention following his breakup with Megan Thee Stallion. The NBA star has won four championships with Golden State. Published on: May 01
Just now
The Athletic editor admits failure in Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel scandalSteven Ginsberg addressed staff regarding the Dianna Russini scandal, admitting communication mistakes. He held a brief meeting but took no questions. Published on: May 01
Just now
Best Time To Visit Goa: Discover the best time to visit Goa with seasonal weather highlights, and essential travel tips to help you make the most of a getaway to the tourist paradise. The sun-soaked expanses of Goa can feel both slow and spirited
Just now
A day after the National Council – Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) (staff side) requested the 8th Pay Commission to extend the deadline of memorandum submission from April 30, 2026, the 8th CPC today (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) extended the due date to May 31, 2026
Just now
