Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi to celebrate the party’s performance in the assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory. (PTI Photo/Salman Ali)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Monday he described his “Vikit Bharat” (developed India) pledge as a “resurgence in the past” following the BJP’s landslide victory in the West Bengal assembly elections.With this victory, the BJP is set to form its first government in West Bengal, replacing the Trinamool Congress, which has been in power since 2011.Addressing BJP workers at the party’s national headquarters in Delhi, where the victory was celebrated, PM Modi said, “The pledge to achieve Developed India@2047 is linked to the resurgence in the East. In olden times, erstwhile Bihar, Bengal and Odisha were the three pillars of India’s greatness.”Referring to the three states by their respective old names, he said, “To achieve a developed India, we need to revive all three pillars of Anga, Banga and Kalinga. I am glad that these three states have reposed faith in the BJP to lead on the path of development.”He described Kalinga (Orissa) as a “maritime superpower”, Anga (Bihar) as the “powerhouse” of cotton and silk trade and Banga (West Bengal) as the cultural “epicentre”.The BJP formed its first government in Odisha in June 2024 and retained Bihar, where its NDA alliance won a landslide victory in November last year.The Prime Minister’s comments come days after he gave the call for “Ang, Bang, Kalinga” for the first time at an election rally in West Bengal.Addressing a rally in Barrackpore on April 27, PM Modi said, “This election of West Bengal is an election to change the fate of Bengal as well as the entire eastern India, the eastern part of India.” In the past, when India was prosperous, it had three strong pillars – “Anga”, “Banga” and “Kalinga”. When these three pillars became weak, India’s capabilities also suffered a setback. Today, when India is moving forward with the aim of becoming developed, it is very important for the development of Anga, Bang and Kalinga. The rise of India is incomplete without the rise of the East.”He further said, “First Bihar blossomed, Odisha blossomed and now it is Bengal’s turn. And from the atmosphere I am seeing here, lotus is sure to bloom in Bengal too.”Voting took place in West Bengal on 23 and 29 April, with an unprecedented turnout of over 90% in each phase. Counting of votes took place on Monday.

सोशल मीडिया पर वायरल हुए एक पत्र को लेकर विधायक अरविंद पांडे द्वारा कांग्रेस पर छवि खराब करने का आरोप लगाने पर रविवार को कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष गणेश गोदियाल ने पलटवार किया। उन्होंने कहा, मैंने सोशल मीडिया पर वायरल हुए विधायक के पत्र में सरकार पर लगाए गए आरोपों के आधार पर उच्च जांच की मांग उठाई थी, आज भी मैं अपनी बात पर कायम हूं.

अगर विधायक पत्र को फर्जी और आरोपों को झूठा बता रहे हैं तो उन्हें सार्वजनिक तौर पर यह भी कहना चाहिए कि वह सीएम धामी के वफादार सिपाही हैं. उन्होंने कहा कि पत्र फर्जी है या असली, सरकार को इसकी जांच करानी चाहिए.

In Murshidabad, West Bengal, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Gauri Shankar Ghosh ensured his victory by securing 1,14,443 votes. Shaoni Singha Roy of All India Trinamool Congress trailed by 82,922 votes.TMC’s Shaoni Singha Roy is contesting against BJP’s Gauri Shankar Ghosh on the Murshidabad seat in the 2026 assembly elections.Murshidabad assembly constituency had a total of 2,48,269 registered voters in the electoral rolls for the 2026 assembly elections, of which 1,26,372 were male, 1,21,896 female and 1 belonged to the third gender.Voting took place on 294 seats in West Bengal in two phases on April 23 and April 29, recording a combined turnout of nearly 93 per cent – ​​the highest since independence and one of the largest in Indian electoral history. Notably, this increase was not limited to rural strongholds, but a dramatic rise was seen in urban centres, where women voters outnumbered men for record participation.Murshidabad is one of the 294 assembly constituencies of West Bengal, located in Murshidabad district and is part of the Murshidabad Lok Sabha seat. It is a general category constituency, which has seen close elections and changes in party control in recent years.There were 268,221 registered voters in Murshidabad in the 2021 assembly elections, of which 229,231 cast valid votes. The seat was won by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gauri Shankar Ghosh, who secured 95,967 votes. Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Shaoni Singha Roy stood second with 93,476 votes, trailing by a slim margin of 2,491 votes.In the 2016 assembly elections, the constituency had 235,052 voters, with 201,150 valid votes recorded, showing a turnout of 85.58 percent. Indian National Congress candidate Shaoni Singha Roy won the seat with 94,579 votes. TMC candidate Ashim Krishna Bhatt stood second with 69,440 votes and lost by a margin of 25,139 votes.

TOI correspondent from Washington: The United States and Iran are on the verge of resuming their shooting match in the Gulf after Tehran attacked the UAE with drones and missiles in response to US efforts to militarily rescue stranded ships in the Strait of Hormuz under “Project Freedom”.“In a high-stakes gambit that blends humanitarian rhetoric with hard power signaling, US President Donald Trump on Monday initiated a Washington-led move to move commercial ships out of the choppy waterway under protective US cover. But when Tehran attacked the UAE’s Fujairah province, it was forced to take defensive measures against incoming missiles and drones, as the power move was met with remaining Iranian firepower. The US, for its part, claimed that two merchant ships had passed through the strait but Iran rejected the claim, saying it had full control over the strait. The tit-for-tat announcements come amid a two-month-long conflict in the Gulf that has blocked one of the world’s most vital oil arteries and rattled global energy markets – and the US. Domestic politics – in a reversal.The competition for control of the Strait of Hormuz has now turned into a stark reality: the US clearly commands superior military power, but Iran appears to be dictating the terms of engagement, with clear warnings from Tehran revealing a situation where geography and asymmetric strategy are blunting Washington’s power, forcing it to work within the red lines set by its rival. What the US has portrayed as independence is being seen as provocation by Iran as both sides headed down a slippery path to renewed fighting on Monday. Earlier, defining the operation as humanitarian intervention, Trump said neutral countries had appealed to Washington to help free ships “locked” in the strait, many of which lacked food and essential supplies. The US will “safely escort its vessels out of these restricted waterways,” he said, warning that any interference “will have to be dealt with forcefully.” The operation, which began Monday morning Middle East time, was presented as a goodwill gesture – including to Iran – even if it had unmistakable coercive undertones.But Project Freedom had a hesitant start at the grassroots level. Shipping through the strait remained difficult, with most ships opting to use the Iranian-controlled traffic separation scheme instead of the US-proposed corridor near Oman. Shipping officials said the plan lacks operational clarity and it is unclear whether it is sustainable, with industry concerns that without Iranian coordination, any large-scale transit risks rekindling hostilities. Tehran’s attacks on the UAE within hours of the US move showed that fears were not unfounded. In strictly military terms, the US retains overwhelming superiority. The U.S. Navy could deploy forces across the Gulf with carrier strike groups, surveillance systems, and associated bases. But geography – and politics – complicate that advantage. Iran’s proximity to the strait, combined with its arsenal of coastal missiles, drones, and fast-attack craft, gives it effective control over the dynamics of escalation. Even limited harassment could halt commercial shipping, as insurers raise premiums and companies refuse to risk multimillion-dollar ships.Shipping companies, for their part, are voting with their hearts out: Most are staying out. Officials say Trump’s assurances fall short of the security guarantees needed to restart transit. Without a comprehensive agreement – ​​ideally involving Iran – insurers are unlikely to underwrite voyages through the strait. The result is a disruption that will have a global impact, disrupting markets from Asia to Europe.In America itself, the crisis is hitting kitchen-table economics. Gas prices nationwide have risen to an average of $4.46 per gallon, up from $2.98 before the conflict – an increase of nearly 50 percent. Analysts have warned that if the hurdle persists, prices could cross $5.The spike is putting intense pressure on Trump, who has made energy affordability a central political message. The president has responded with a mix of external appeals and strategic pressure, repeatedly asking China and NATO allies to help reopen the waterway, whether by pressuring Iran or contributing naval assets.Critics argue that the administration’s approach has been reactive and lacks a coherent end game. Some lawmakers are questioning whether Project Freedom risks embroiling the US in a broader conflict without Congressional approval, while others argue that the President has little choice but to take action to stabilize global energy flows.However, Trump has maintained a defiant tone that the operation is both necessary and limited. He has pointed to “very positive discussions” with Iran as evidence that diplomacy is still in play, even as he stressed a willingness to use force if necessary.

उत्तर प्रदेश के कौशाम्बी जिले से एक चिंताजनक मामला सामने आया है, जहां मंझनपुर कोतवाली क्षेत्र की एक विवाहित महिला अपने दो छोटे बच्चों के साथ 29 अप्रैल से लापता है। घटना के बाद से परिवार में चिंता का माहौल है। विवाहिता के मायके पक्ष ने उसके ससुराल वालों पर गंभीर आरोप लगाए हैं. उनका कहना है कि अतिरिक्त दहेज की मांग को लेकर उनकी बेटी को काफी समय से प्रताड़ित किया जा रहा था. मामले की गंभीरता को देखते हुए परिजनों ने सोमवार को पुलिस अधीक्षक से मुलाकात कर शिकायत दर्ज करायी और तत्काल कार्रवाई की मांग की.

शादी के बाद उत्पीड़न शुरू हो गया।
भरसावो गांव निवासी शिवकन्या देवी ने पुलिस अधीक्षक को दिए गए शिकायती पत्र में बताया कि उन्होंने अपनी बेटी मंजू देवी की शादी 16 फरवरी 2020 को लौधना निवासी गद्दी पाल के बेटे लवकुश से की थी. शादी में उन्होंने अपनी क्षमता के अनुसार दहेज दिया था और एक स्प्लेंडर बाइक भी दी थी. शादी के कुछ समय बाद ही मंजू देवी को ससुराल में प्रताड़ना का सामना करना पड़ा. परिजनों के मुताबिक दामाद लवकुश, देवर विमलेश व लवलेश, सास रामसवारी व ससुर गद्दी पाल आए दिन उसके साथ गाली-गलौज व मारपीट करते थे।

दो लाख रुपये और अपाचे बाइक की मांग की गयी.
परिजनों का आरोप है कि ससुराल वाले लगातार दो लाख रुपये और एक अपाचे बाइक की मांग कर रहे थे. वे लोग मंजू देवी को धमकी देते थे कि अगर यह मांग पूरी नहीं हुई तो वे उसे और उसके बच्चों को मार डालेंगे. इससे मंजू देवी मानसिक व शारीरिक रूप से परेशान रहती थी.

29 अप्रैल से मां और बच्चा लापता, परिजन चिंतित
बताया जा रहा है कि 29 अप्रैल को मंजू देवी और उनके दो बच्चे अचानक संदिग्ध परिस्थितियों में लापता हो गये. इसकी जानकारी मिलने पर मायके वालों ने कई जगह तलाश की, लेकिन चार दिन बाद भी उसका कोई सुराग नहीं मिला। इसके बाद परिजनों ने आशंका जताई कि उनके साथ कोई अनहोनी हो सकती है.

एसपी ने दिए जांच के आदेश
मामले की शिकायत मिलने पर पुलिस अधीक्षक ने तत्काल मंझनपुर कोतवाली पुलिस को जांच के निर्देश दिए। पुलिस अब पूरे मामले की जांच कर रही है और महिला और बच्चों की तलाश जारी है. परिजनों ने प्रशासन से तत्काल कार्रवाई कर उनकी बेटी और बच्चों को सुरक्षित खोजने की मांग की है.

(रिपोर्ट: राम किशन, कौशांबी)

सोमवार दोपहर सेलाकुई के हरिपुर में खनन सामग्री से भरी तेज रफ्तार ट्रैक्टर-ट्रॉली अनियंत्रित हो गई। यह ट्रॉली सीधे एक घर की दीवार से जा टकराई, जिससे दीवार बुरी तरह क्षतिग्रस्त हो गई. मकान मालिक नंद किशोर भट्ट ने बताया कि हादसे के वक्त उनका परिवार घर के अंदर था। घटना से कुछ देर पहले बच्चे आंगन से अंदर चले गए थे। इससे बड़ा हादसा टल गया और कोई हताहत नहीं हुआ. गाड़ी की रफ्तार इतनी तेज थी कि ड्राइवर उस पर नियंत्रण नहीं रख सका.

विकासनगर समाचार: दो हिस्ट्रीशीटर छह माह के लिए जिला बदर; पुलिस ने उसे हिमाचल प्रदेश की सीमा में छोड़ दिया

उधर, दूसरी घटना रविवार रात करीब डेढ़ बजे सेलाकुई में हुई। एक डंपर अनियंत्रित होकर बिजली के खंभे से टकरा गया. डंपर ने एक खंभा तोड़ दिया और पास की एक फैक्ट्री की दीवार को भी क्षतिग्रस्त कर दिया।

A major controversy has arisen over the viral post of Indian technologist Gautam Dey, in which he regretted that he could not go to meet his dying mother for the last time due to delay in visa stamping.

After Gautam Dey’s LinkedIn post on how he could not come to India to see his dying mother for the last time due to embassy issues, a huge controversy erupted as many said that he should have opted to bring his mother back home instead of staying in the US. Many social media users questioned how he had been living in the US with his family for 20 years on the H-1B visa program – and why he was expecting anything more when he knew his life in the US was temporary and when it came to such an important situation he chose money. However, many experts, including Indian-origin entrepreneurs, stood by Dey and said that the reaction was unfair as there could be many reasons for Dey not getting a green card.Immigration policy analyst Sam Peek said, “If America is no longer a place where people feel empowered to be the best versions of themselves while celebrating, struggling, and mourning, then it ceases to be not only a land of opportunity, but also a land of respect and purpose.”Indian-origin entrepreneur Vijay Thirumalai called out MAGA, asking Dey why he has not become a permanent resident in the US in 20 years. Describing the incident as ‘overall very sad’, Thirumalai posted, “All those talking about why he did this, H1B is a dual intent visa (dual intent to work and last way to go to GC) which is now in a mess due to archaic country border.” He also cited other reasons why it was a difficult choice for Day.Tirumalai posted, “So all the MAGA people preaching on what H1Bs should and shouldn’t do, stop preaching and go after illegal immigrants and not after honest, tax paying Indian H1Bs, because once they decide they are doing that, all the equity you have built in your comfortable homes, all the technological dominance and everything else will collapse.”

‘You chose money over mother’

Gautam Dey, in his heartfelt LinkedIn post, wrote that he could not go to India as he could not get a visa stamping appointment in India. He said he had sent hospital documents to the Consulate explaining how important it was for him to come to India but even after trying for 26 days he could not get an appointment and his mother passed away. If he travels to India without an appointment for visa stamping, he will not be able to re-enter the US and will have to wait in India for months for a slot to open up.Thousands of H-1B visa holders traveling to India last December were stuck in their home country as all visa slots were rescheduled and even now, no new slots have opened.“You don’t have to measure success just by leaving home. Because no dream of a career should ever put you in a position where you have to choose between your mother’s last moments and the future of your children. I have lost that choice. And I will bear that pain forever,” Day said, only to be criticized by users that he chose money over his mother herself.

Puducherry CM N Rangasamy

New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to return to power in Puducherry and become the first government in the Union Territory to hold re-elections since the Congress achieved the feat in 2006.Counting of votes for the April 9 assembly election took place on Monday, recording 89.87% turnout, the highest in the former French colony since its merger with India in 1964.The NDA has won or is leading in 18 of the 30 constituencies, two above the majority mark. Chief Minister N RangasamyAll India NR Congress (AINRC) has secured 10 seats and is leading on two seats. Among its allies, the BJP has won four seats, while one candidate each from AIADMK and Lachia Jananagaya Katchi (LJK) also emerged victorious.Under the alliance’s seat-sharing arrangement, the AINRC contested 16 constituencies, while the BJP got 14 constituencies, of which it allotted two seats each to the AIADMK and LJK.

What does this victory mean for Rangasamy and AINRC?

This victory has strengthened Rangasamy’s position as the tallest leader of Puducherry. Already the longest serving Chief Minister, he is set to return for a second consecutive term at the helm of the NDA government and his fifth term overall. He won both his constituencies, Thattanchavady and Mangalam.This will also strengthen his position within the NDA, where cracks had emerged before the elections over issues like BJP’s inclusion of LJK in the alliance. LJK was founded by businessman José Charles Martín, son of “Lottery King” Santiago Martín.Another cause of friction was the BJP-led Center not accepting the popular demand for granting statehood to Puducherry. The territory’s Union Territory status means that the Lieutenant Governor – representing the President of India – can dismiss or bypass the elected government. Becoming a key partner will enable Rangasamy to press for the issue more vocally.This victory will also help AINRC to avoid a Bihar-like situation in Puducherry. In the Bihar Assembly elections held in November last year, BJP emerged as the largest party for the first time, with ally JDU coming in second place. Despite this, after leading the state for more than two decades, JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar returned as chief minister for his 10th term.However, earlier this month, Kumar moved to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for the BJP to secure its first chief minister in the state, and was succeeded by Samrat Choudhary to the top post.