The Election Commission of India (ECI) has locked in its database the details of the 43 lakh dead voters in West Bengal whose names continue to figure in the state's electoral roll as on October 27.

Sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that of this figure of 43 lakh, the ECI has obtained details of around 34 lakh dead voters from the Aadhaar database.

The details of around 11 lakh dead voters were obtained from the list of beneficiaries of different welfare scheme in West Bengal like the widow pension schemes and Samobathi Prakalpa, among others, with the latter being a financial assistance scheme from the state government that provides a one-time grant of Rs 2,000 to poor families to help cover the costs of performing rites and rituals for a deceased person.

The initial deadline set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for completing the enumeration form distribution under the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) in West Bengal has ended, with around 15 per cent of the voters in the state yet to receive the forms.

According to figures available from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, a little over 6.56 crore voters in the state have received enumeration forms till 8 p.m. on Tuesday, roughly around 85.71 per cent of the total registered voters in the state.

The total number of electors in West Bengal as per the electoral roll as on October 27, is 7,66,37,529.

A total of 50,963 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) across Gujarat are actively engaged in the massive voter mapping drive under the state’s Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls.

Within just a few days of the campaign’s launch, over 2.17 crore citizens have already been mapped, while 3.90 crore enumeration forms have been distributed across the state, a testament to the BLOs’ tireless on-ground efforts.

Under the guidance of the Election Commission of India and the leadership of Chief Electoral Officer Harit Shukla, the state’s electoral machinery, including District Election Officers, Deputy DEOs, Electoral Registration Officers, and Assistant EROs, is working in close coordination to ensure smooth progress and accuracy throughout the process, which continues until December 4.

A day after the blast near Delhi's Red Fort, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday said it was "indeed an unfortunate incident" and that all the agencies concerned are actively performing their duties.

Addressing a press conference, the CM said: "It was indeed an unfortunate incident. All the agencies concerned are actively carrying out their duties. Yesterday, we visited the hospital and met the injured individuals."

"The government stands firmly with them and is ensuring that neither they nor their families face any difficulties," she added.

The Haryana government on Tuesday announced that it has decided to relax the upper age limit for ex-Agniveers who are domiciles of the state during direct recruitment after completing their military service.

A letter to this effect has been issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi.

As per the government’s decision, ex-Agniveers will be entitled to a relaxation of three years in the prescribed upper age limit for direct recruitment to Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts.

Additionally, members of the first batch of ex-Agniveers will receive an age relaxation of five years. All departments, boards, corporations, universities, and field offices have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions, an official statement said.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann released the Punjabi edition of the popular book Sada Punjab, written by renowned author Munish Jindal, at the Chief Minister's Camp Office in Dhuri the yesterday.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated Dhuri-born author Munish Jindal and praised him for presenting the Punjabi edition of this comprehensive book, which provides complete knowledge about Punjab's history and culture.

It is noteworthy that the book includes Punjab's geography, ancient, medieval, and modern history, as well as its culture. It also provides detailed information about the social and religious reform movements in Punjab and the formation of the state. Sikh history has been presented in a very systematic manner. The book contains detailed information about the history of all districts of Punjab up to the present. The chapter detailing the sacrifices made by Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru for India's independence inspires the younger generation of Punjab.

Election authorities are all set to hold the bye-election to Mizoram’s Dampa Assembly constituency on Tuesday, with polling officials accompanied by security personnel having reached all 41 election stations in the poll-bound segments in Mamit district, officials said on Monday.

An election official said that the more than month-long hectic campaign by all political parties for the November 11 bypoll in the Dampa Assembly constituency ended on Sunday, without any untoward incident.

Besides state leaders of various parties, BJP leaders and Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju (Parliamentary and Minority Affairs) and Jitendra Singh (Science and Technology and Earth Sciences) also visited Mizoram to campaign for their respective party candidates.

Mohammed Azharuddin on Monday took charge as Telangana's Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises.

The former Indian cricket captain, who was sworn in as the minister on October 31, took charge at Dr B. R. Ambedkar Secretariat.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, state Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Vakati Srihari, Ponnam Prabhakar, government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir and other leaders congratulated Azharuddin.

The second phase of polling for the Bihar Assembly elections will begin at 7 a.m. on Tuesday (November 11), with 1,302 candidates fighting for 122 constituencies.

Of these, 1,165 are male candidates, 136 are female, and one candidate is from the third gender category.

The main contest remains between the NDA and the Grand Alliance, although in some seats, AIMIM and Jan Suraj Party are also in the fight.

In a major show of strength ahead of the Tarn Taran by-election, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today received massive support from women and youth as over 100 families from the constituency joined the party. The women leaders of these families were formally welcomed into AAP by Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, Chairman Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman Dr. S. S. Ahluwalia, MLA Dev Mann, and AAP leaders Gurdev Singh Lakhna and Gurwinder Singh Baidwal. Jeevan Bhatti played a key role in facilitating the joining of these leaders.

Prominent women leaders who joined AAP include Surinder Kaur, Raj Kaur, Joginder Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Harjeet Kaur, Sonia, Palak, Narinder Kaur, Sonu, Barkha, Seema, Darshna, Mandeep Kaur, Sukhbir Kaur, Kuljit Kaur, Ajit, Parveen, Sumit, Ripika Robin, Rajni, Rohit, Padam, and Shivjot. Among the men who joined were Vansh, William, Rohit, and Pardeep.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday directed the suspension of Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ravjot Kaur Grewal for allegedly interfering in the by-election process.

The action comes just ahead of the Tarn Taran assembly bypoll on November 11 after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal met the EC-appointed observer and submitted a written complaint of misuse of power by the SSP to help the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.

 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab hailed the Centre’s decision to retract its anti-Punjab move regarding Panjab University as a historic victory for the people of Punjab and the united student community. AAP Punjab Working President Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi said that this triumph belongs to every student, every organization, and every citizen who stood up to protect the university’s distinct identity and democratic character.

Kalsi said, “This is not just a victory for Panjab University, it is a victory of Punjab’s pride, our constitutional rights, and the spirit of federalism. The BJP-led Centre tried to impose its will on Punjab, but our collective resistance forced them to bow before the people’s voice.”

He credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Aam Aadmi Party Punjab, and the AAP student wing (ASAP) for leading the charge and maintaining a firm stand against the Centre’s attempts to interfere in the university’s affairs. “CM Bhagwant Mann ji, AAP Punjab, and our student leaders showed that when Punjab unites, no one can silence its voice. The Centre’s retreat proves that truth and determination always win,” Kalsi added.

Before the Tarn Taran by-election, the Aam Aadmi Party received a major boost as a large number of youth leaders from the constituency joined AAP.

During a press meet, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, in the presence of Chairman Harchand Singh Barsat, Dr. S. S. Ahluwalia, Gurdev Singh Lakhana, and Parminder Goldy, inducted all the leaders into the party and welcomed them warmly.

Among those who joined under the guidance of AAP youth leader Shahbaaz were Ekam Sandhu, Navtej Sandhu, Vicky Sandhu, Anmol Randhawa, Surjan Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, Raj Bhullar, Prince, Aadesh, Joban, Aman, Hardeep, Jagrup Singh, Montu, Mola Bath, Akashdeep, Yodha Jamsatpur, Jota, Pawan, Daljeet, Pawan, Arsh, Sukhbir, Vansh Kaler, and Joban Jamsatpur, among others.

Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the youth of Tarn Taran are now leading the movement. “Our youth are the strength of Punjab’s future. The Aam Aadmi Party is providing a clean and transparent platform in politics where service and development are the top priorities. The enthusiasm and energy of these youngsters are the guarantee of AAP candidate Harmeet Sandhu’s victory,” he added.

The Winter Session of Parliament is expected to begin on December 1 and continue, at least till December 19, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday.

In a message on X, Rijiju said, “The Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji has approved the proposal of the Government to convene the #WinterSession of #Parliament from 1st December 2025 to 19th December, 2025 (subject to exigencies of Parliamentary business).”

He hoped that the upcoming session would see smooth transaction of business. “Looking forward to a constructive & meaningful Session that strengthens our democracy & serves the aspirations of the people,” he wrote.

The BJP government at the Center tried to crush Punjab by suddenly issuing a notification to dissolve Punjab University’s Senate, but Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party hit back so hard that it shook Delhi’s seats of power. Thousands of ASAP students took to the streets in Chandigarh and across Punjab, openly challenging the BJP - “Punjab will not be suppressed!” Now this is not just a university matter, it has become a battle for Punjab’s honor and pride.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu launched a scathing attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal, saying the people of Punjab will never forgive the SAD-BJP government for spreading the drug menace that destroyed thousands of youth and families across the state.

Sandhu said the Badal family has repeatedly betrayed Punjab and the Sikh community for political and personal gain. “The Sikh sangat will never forget the painful incidents of sacrilege at Bargari and Kotkapura, and the tragic firing on peacefully protesting Sikh youth during the SAD-BJP regime. Those responsible for the wounds of Punjab’s soul must be held accountable,” Sandhu said.

He accused Sukhbir Badal and his family of using the Panth and religion merely as tools to seek votes, while doing nothing to protect Sikh values or serve Punjab’s people. “The Badals looted Punjab for a decade, using power to enrich themselves while farmers, youth, and common citizens suffered. Their politics is built on deceit, greed, and exploitation,” he added.

Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan met party President Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow on Friday, marking his first visit to the state capital after he was released from jail.

Their 45-minute meeting, which took place at Akhilesh Yadav’s residence on Vikramaditya Marg, is being seen as politically significant. Azam Khan’s son was also present during the meeting.

The two leaders held discussions over tea and snacks in what both sides described as a cordial interaction.

Soon after, Akhilesh Yadav shared photographs of the meeting on social media, writing: "I don’t know how many memories he brought with him when he came to our home today. This meeting is a heritage of our shared relationship."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday that all political parties have joined hands against the National Conference ahead of the by-election in Budgam Assembly constituency because ‘the NC stands firm on its electoral promises’.

Addressing a poll campaign for the NC candidate, Aga Mehmood in Budgam, Omar Abdullah said, “All political parties have joined hands against the NC now because we have committed one ‘sin’ and that is, to have stood firm on our electoral promises. In the 2014 elections, one political party asked you to vote for them, promising that they would keep the BJP out of power in Jammu and Kashmir. You voted for them, and then the same party brought the BJP to power and started destroying the state."

A total of 2.10 crore enumeration forms have been distributed among voters of West Bengal in the first three days of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The ECI began the SIR in the state on Tuesday, and 2.10 crore enumeration forms were distributed till 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Sources in the Chief Electoral Office (CEO), West Bengal, said the progress of SIR in the state, regarding the distribution of enumeration forms, is quite satisfactory compared to 11 other states where the poll exercise is underway.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted bail to a man accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after he spent more than five years in custody. The probe in the case was conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The high court observed that no incriminating material was found against the accused, Jagwinder Singh. It also noted that he has been in custody for over five years, with the end of the trial nowhere in sight.

“The allegation against the appellant was that he had watched a video of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and indoctrinated his cousin Inderjit Singh (the main accused) to support the formation of a separate state of Khalistan and aided/abetted hoisting of the Khalistan flag on the top floor of the DC’s office,” a Bench of Justice Deepak Sibal and Justice Lapita Banerji observed.

 In order to preserve traditional crafts, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday approved Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s scheme to introduce heritage and skill-based livelihoods courses under the skill development department.

The J&K Chief Minister’s Office said on X on Thursday, “J&K Government has approved the 'Chief Minister’s Scheme for Introduction of Heritage Courses' under the Skill Development Department.

“The Scheme will revive 7 traditional Craft Courses across 25 units in Government ITIs/Polytechnics with an intake capacity of 500 students, with stipends for trainees and honorarium for instructors. A step towards preserving heritage and promoting skill-based livelihoods in J&K.”

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate for the Tarn Taran by-election Harmeet Singh Sandhu launded the decisive war being waged by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann against drugs. He said that due to the AAP government’s firm commitment, the backbone of drug traffickers has now been broken, and the people of Tarn Taran have made up their minds to endorse the drug-free agenda in this by-election.

Referring to the latest data released by the Punjab Police, Harmeet Singh Sandhu said that on the 249th day of the “War Against Drugs”, the police arrested 97 more peddlers and recovered 1.3 kg of heroin and ₹3.5 lakh in drug money. This shows that the Mann government is tightening its grip on drug traffickers every single day. He added that while the previous governments merely talked, the Mann government has in just 249 days arrested 35,377 drug traffickers and sent them behind bars. This record, he said, reflects the AAP government’s unwavering resolve to eradicate drugs from their roots.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Women’s Wing President and MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora said that the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann not only makes promises but also works on the ground for the welfare of every section of society, including women. Praising the state-level Women’s Health and Employment Camp series launched by the AAP government, she described it as a historic step towards the empowerment of women.

Referring to the Tarn Taran by-election, MLA Arora said that based on the pro-people performance of the AAP government, the people of Tarn Taran have already decided to elect AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu with a huge majority.

Arora informed that through these camps, so far 16 companies have participated, and around 500 girls have registered. The most commendable aspect, she said, is that 295 candidates were shortlisted, and over 72 girls were handed appointment letters on the spot. She stated that this is the AAP government’s “employment model”, which believes in action, not empty talk.

Electoral roll data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed a substantial 21.8 per cent jump in the number of voters in West Bengal between 2009 and 2017, the highest surge across three defined phases of Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The ECI data indicate that the maximum increase during this phase, which encompassed the final two years of the Left Front government (2009-2011) and the initial six years of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime (2011-2017), was heavily concentrated in districts sharing international borders with Bangladesh.

ECI data showed that between 2002, when the previous SIR was conducted, and 2025, the year of the ongoing SIR, the highest rise in voter numbers in the state occurred during the 2009-2017 period.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Youth leader Parminder Goldy hailed Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for launching a historic project to construct more than 3,100 ultra-modern stadiums across Punjab at a cost of ₹1,194 crore. He said the initiative marks a decisive step in building a Rangla Punjab and empowering the state’s youth to fight against drugs through sports and discipline.

Goldy said the Mann government has shown unmatched determination in waging the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” (War Against Drugs) by promoting sports culture, creating thousands of opportunities, and crushing the drug mafia without fear or favour. “Sports are the strongest weapon in this fight. While previous regimes filled Punjab with drugs, the AAP government is filling it with playgrounds and purpose,” he added.

He said each stadium will provide modern facilities for volleyball, football, cricket, kabaddi, and other traditional games, ensuring that every child, from villages to cities, has a healthy outlet for their energy. “When youth play, they stay away from drugs,” Goldy said, adding that sports will also unite communities and restore Punjab’s proud legacy of athletic excellence.

The election campaign of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu received a major boost today in the Tarn Taran by-election when the entire Dharmi Fauji Parivar Welfare Board organization announced its support for AAP. This decision was taken after an important meeting of the organization’s leaders with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, held in the presence of senior AAP leader and Qadian constituency in-charge Advocate Jagroop Singh Sekhwan.

Providing details, Advocate Jagroop Singh Sekhwan said that the meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was held in a very cordial atmosphere. The meeting was attended by the organization’s patron Savinder Singh Gill and other prominent leaders. Sekhwan said that during the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the various issues being faced by the families of 'dharmi fauji' (religious soldiers).

Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, saying that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is doing politics of development, whereas traditional parties like the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal have nothing to show the people and are therefore resorting to divisive and negative politics.

In a statement, Harpal Singh Cheema said that previous governments always cried that the treasury was empty because their intentions were corrupt. “They themselves were thieves, which is why neither GST collection increased nor tax revenue. The AAP government, in just three years, has collected more revenue than both Congress and Akali governments did in their five-year terms and has spent that money on the people,” said Cheema. He questioned, “If the treasury was really empty, then from where did we provide 56,000 government jobs?”

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab's Tarn Taran By-election candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu launched a scathing attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP and Congress, accusing them of being the real culprits behind Punjab’s drug crisis. Sandhu said that both parties protected drug mafias for years and destroyed the future of Punjab’s youth for their personal political gains.

“Punjab was pushed into darkness by the chacha-bhatija (Captain Amarinder Singh–Bikram Majithia) and jija-sala (Sukhbir Badal–Majithia) regimes,” said Sandhu. “While they ruled the state alternately, they worked hand in glove with drug smugglers. Their politics thrived on the pain of our youth and the tears of thousands of families devastated by addiction.”

Punjab Police on Wednesday registered a First Information Report (FIR) against state Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring for allegedly making casteist remarks against former Union Home Minister late Buta Singh.

The case was filed based on a complaint by Buta Singh's son, Sarabjot Singh Sidhu.

He has been booked under relevant Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) of 2023, along with Sections 3 (1)(u) and 3 (1)(v) of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu has lauded the historic preparations made by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for the state-level events dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He said that the AAP government’s arrangements for nearly one crore devotees are a true tribute to the unparalleled sacrifice of Guru Sahib.

In a statement issued here, AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu, citing official figures released by the government, said that the construction of three massive “Tent Cities” to accommodate more than 11,000 devotees daily and the arrangement of vast parking facilities spread over 106 acres along the routes to Sri Anandpur Sahib reflect the foresight and dedication of the Mann government. He added that the provision of 500 e-rickshaws and 100 mini-buses for free transport within the holy city is a highly commendable step that will provide great convenience to elderly persons and children.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu has strongly lauded the roadmap unveiled by CM Mann led Punjab Government to rejuvenate the state’s tourism sector through six mega projects. He said that organizing an investors’ summit by the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) and bringing these six projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is a historic and visionary step that will make Punjab the “Tourism Hub" of North India.

In a statement issued here, Harmeet Singh Sandhu said that the previous Akali-BJP and Congress governments ignored Punjab’s rich heritage and tourism potential for decades, causing the state’s economy to fall behind. He said that it is a testament to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s honesty of intent and commitment that the AAP Government has not only identified six key projects but also developed a robust framework to implement them with 100% transparency. Sandhu said that unlike previous governments, where projects were designed to benefit political favorites, the AAP Government has adopted a competitive bidding process and a transparent revenue-sharing model.

An FIR has been registered against Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh on Tuesday for the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct in Bihar's Mokama.

An official statement, issued by the district magistrate-cum returning officer, Patna, said, "The Patna district administration analysed video footage recorded by the surveillance team. After examination, an FIR has been lodged against Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh under relevant sections of the BNS and the Representation of the People Act."

The campaigning for the first phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections will conclude at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

The voting for this phase will be held on November 6 in 121 Assembly constituencies across 18 districts.

On the last day of canvassing, all parties were holding rallies, roadshows and public meetings to woo voters.

Now, candidates have switched to door-to-door outreach to seek direct support.