BJP leader Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore accused Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of “verbal violence” toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying Kharge’s remark insults voters who elected him. Rathore demanded an apology and linked the controversy to broader political dynamics, including comments on Bengal politics and discussions around statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.
At the Congress Working Committee meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge raised allegations of “voter deletion” tied to the SIR revision of electoral rolls in nine states and three UTs. He said SIR is part of a wider “conspiracy” to restrict democratic rights. Kharge also condemned violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and recent Christmas-time vandalism in India.
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Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury sharply criticized Mamata Banerjee over voter list-related problems, arguing the situation wouldn’t be so complex if she had worked with the ECI. He says Congress will contest every assembly seat alone this time and aims to build strength in every polling booth. He also outlined expectations for Malda and Murshidabad.
Congress MP K. C. Venugopal has moved a breach-of-privilege notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging Modi made aspersions on opposition MPs in an April 18 address. The claim centers on Modi criticising lawmakers who voted against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, potentially escalating tensions in Parliament.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of failing on fuel and fertiliser security, citing declining production and worsening import dependence. He also invoked remarks by Murli Manohar Joshi on the “Vishwaguru” rhetoric, arguing the government is deflecting criticism with talks around delimitation. The row highlights fears over India’s ability to secure essentials.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Modi government’s fuel management, alleging crude oil and gas production has declined. He accused the government of stopping new LPG connections, leaving Indian ships stranded, and pointed to a fertiliser shortage hurting both citizens and farmers. The party says the cumulative impact is forcing people to suffer amid growing shortages.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah told West Bengal rallies that Congress will not cross double digits in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and that the party will struggle to win in Bengal. He also predicted Mamata Banerjee will be out of power by May 4, while promising governance upgrades, industrial revival, and action against infiltration if BJP wins.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said local Muslim leaders were involved in Congress’s decision to field Samarth Shamanur in the Davanagere South bypoll, even as minority backlash erupted. The comments follow disciplinary action against two party leaders and raise questions about Muslim community support ahead of the election.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s “terrorist” remark about PM Narendra Modi “atrocious,” saying it marks a new low for the party. Kharge later clarified he was referring to Modi allegedly “terrorizing” opponents via central agencies, not labeling him a terrorist. Union minister Piyush Goyal joined the backlash, accusing the Gandhi family of choking democracy.
On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress attacked the Modi government, arguing that Pakistan has gained global “respectability” despite orchestrating the assault that killed 26 people. The party called India’s retaliatory action insufficient to change Pakistan’s standing, framing the moment as clear failure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.
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Congress has sharply attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of moral cowardice for not speaking out on Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The party alleges the Modi government has shown unprecedented solidarity with Israel, arguing that the approach violates human values and departs from India’s traditional principles. The dispute adds to rising political tension over foreign policy responses.
Violence marred West Bengal’s first phase of Assembly polling, with multiple incidents reported across districts. BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar was attacked in Kumarganj, while AUUP chief Humayun Kabir’s convoy in Murshidabad was vandalised. A BJP polling agent suffered head injuries in Labhpur, and two Congress workers were hurt in Birbhum, underscoring a tense campaign atmosphere.
In Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district, three masked assailants attacked a Congress leader’s home and opened fire on his sons. Nineteen-year-old Aayush Kashyap died at the scene, while his brother Ashutosh was injured in his hand and is stable. Police have begun a large-scale manhunt to identify and arrest the attackers.
Voting has started in West Bengal for the first phase of the 2026 Assembly elections, covering 152 constituencies across North, West and parts of South Bengal. The contest is centered on a fierce TMC vs BJP fight, with Congress and Left candidates pulling votes in a multi corner landscape. Results are set for May 4, with key candidates drawing intense attention.
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Supporters of Karnataka Home Minister and Congress leader G Parameshwara gathered near Indira Bhawan in Delhi, urging the party to appoint him as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka. The crowd cited his backing within the SC/ST community and his efforts to consolidate support, while also pressing Congress to elevate a Dalit leader to the top post.
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has formed seven special teams to prepare for the May 4 vote count. Starting April 25, the teams will tour districts, inspect strong rooms, meet candidates, and coordinate with district administrations to ensure smooth handling ahead of counting day.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after Kharge called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist” during the Tamil Nadu election campaign. Shah said Kharge’s language reflects “Rahul Baba’s influence” and escalated the political confrontation, tying the controversy to Kharge’s criticism of the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP while targeting Modi sharply.
Union Minister V Somanna, MP Basavaraj Bommai and MP Yaduveer Wadiyar have slammed Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that Congress’s opposition to a constitutional amendment seeking 33% women’s reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies has harmed Karnataka’s interests. The leaders claimed the political stance undermines the state’s opportunity to secure greater representation for women.
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Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has re-clarified his stance, saying he opposes RSS ideology but admires the group’s organisational capacity. The remarks drew backlash after earlier in the day he shared an old black-and-white photo of young Narendra Modi with senior BJP leader LK Advani, sourced from Quora. Singh defended his comments to ANI.
The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge after complaints over his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP alleged the language used was unacceptable and sought action. The EC said it is taking a serious view of campaign statements, signalling scrutiny of how political figures frame attacks during electioneering.
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