Overview
- BJP figures including Mithun Chakraborty and Amit Shah escalated their offensive against Mamata Banerjee, with Chakraborty asserting the party will form the next Bengal government, accusing the TMC of corruption and warning against turning the state into “West Bangladesh,” while pledging to implement Ayushman Bharat if elected.
- TMC opened a month‑long pre‑poll push led by Abhishek Banerjee, debuting a hard‑edged message that casts the party as ready to strike back and renewing claims of manipulation in voter rolls.
- Violence against Hindus in Bangladesh remained a live flashpoint as Khokon Chandra Das, who was stabbed and set on fire earlier in the week, died after being moved to a Dhaka hospital, adding to a string of recent attacks that India has flagged with concern.
- KKR’s signing of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman ignited political criticism from BJP leader Sangeet Som and others, while opposition figures and a former India cricketer countered that team selections are made through BCCI processes and should not be personalized to Shah Rukh Khan.
- Maharashtra’s State Election Commission initiated inquiries into multiple unopposed municipal wins by the ruling alliance, seeking reports on allegations of pressure on rivals following dozens of candidates being declared elected without a vote.