THE HEADLINES::
- Electioneering gains momentum for Assembly polls in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal with Senior leaders of political parties holding public meetings and rallies.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, government’s strong ties with Gulf countries help protect Indians there during these difficult times.
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry advices citizens to avoid panic purchase of Petrol and Diesel and unnecessary booking of LPG.
- Conflict in West Asia enters another intense phase with strikes reported across multiple fronts simultaneously.
- Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan highlights transformative power of education in journey towards Viksit Bharat.
- And, in IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals beat Mumbai Indians by six wickets in Delhi; Another match between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals underway in Ahmedabad.
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Campaigning has intensified for assembly elections in 4 States and one Union Territory. Prominent political party leaders are leading election rallies in different parts of poll bound states. Addressing a public meeting in Thiruvalla today Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi said the safety of Indians, especially those from Keralam in West Asia, is a top priority of his government.
Mr Modi said the government’s strong ties with Gulf countries help protect Indians there during these difficult times. He added that Keralam is ready for a historic transformation and that people’s immense faith in the NDA is visible across the state.
Prime Minister assured that Lok Sabha seats will not be reduced for southern states that have effectively controlled population growth, and the overall number of seats will be increased to benefit all states across the country.
Prime Minister also took part in a roadshow in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the poll campaign.
Speaking at election meetings in Alappuzha, Idukki and Ernakulam districts Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the UDF is ready to bring real change in Keralam. He criticised both the LDF and the NDA and said the ruling LDF will lose its relevance after the polls.
CPI(M) General Secretary M. A. Baby and Polit Bureau member Subhashini Ali campaigned for the LDF in various constituencies. Mr Baby said the LDF has taken Keralam forward in multiple areas. He said the CPI(M) does not practise appeasement politics but stands firmly for the rights of minorities.
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In our series of constituency profiles for the forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections, today we take a look at Devikulam Assembly constituency in Keralam.
“Proximity to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu and the large number of plantation workers among the voters are key specialities of the Devikulam Assembly constituency in Idukki district of Keralam. This hilly, high altitude region is located in the Western Ghats. Six candidates are in the fray in Devikulam this time. Sitting CPM MLA, A. Raja is the LDF candidate. F. Raja of the Congress is the UDF candidate. Former LDF MLA S. Rajendran of BJP is the NDA candidate. BSP’s V. B. Rajendran and two independent candidates are also in the fray. In the 2021 election, A. Raja defeated Congress candidate D. Kumar by a margin of more than 7,000 votes. In 2016, S. Rajendran, representing CPM, won here with a margin of more than 5,000 votes. Smithy M Palluruthy, Akashvani News, Thiruvananthapuram.”
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With just five days remaining for polling, the political atmosphere in Puducherry has reached a fever pitch, turning the Union Territory into a high-stakes battleground. Political parties have intensified their outreach, launching relentless campaigns to reach every voter. More from our correspondent:
“From high-voltage roadshows led by national leaders to grassroots door-to-door canvassing, every strategy is being deployed in a determined bid to sway public opinion in Puducherry. The NDA, energised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow yesterday, continued its momentum today. Senior BJP leader Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Arjun Ram Meghwal also campaigned for NDA candidates. For the Congress, party President, Mallikarjun Kharge campaigned and addressed a public meeting at Annai thidal. Opposition Leader and DMK candidate R. Siva carried out election campaign in Pandiyan Nagar, Pattanikkalam and Moorthi Nagar areas. while Chief Minister N. Rangasamy campaigned for NDA candidates in the Oulgaret constituency. DMK election in charge for Puducherry Jagatrakshakan MP is coordinating the campaign activities for the party. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also released its manifesto for the elections. Actress Rohini campaigned for CPI(M) and CPI candidates in Lawspet, Oulgaret and Thirubhuvanai constituencies. Bibin S Nath, Akashvani News, Puducherry.”
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In Tamilnadu, election fever is running high with door to door campaigning and roadshows are being held for garnering votes. In a surprise announcement today, the leader of VCK, a longtime ally of the DMK, has said that he will not be contesting in this Assembly elections. Earlier, he said that he will be contesting in Kattumannarkoil. The party was allocated eight seats in the Secular Democratic Alliance. DMK Chief M.K.Stalin was at Sankarankovil and mudukulathur, campaigning for Secular Democratic alliance. He criticised the BJP Government at the Centre for ignoring oil prices and highlighted the achievements on the other hand. Union Minister of State and BJP Candidate Dr. L. Murugan told the media at Coimbatore that the State needed a double engine Government so that the State’s growth is not affected and people wanted more opportunities to flourish. A report :
“Amidst sweltering summer, candidates and leaders went on foot seeking votes for their parties. Party workers with colourful flags waved across signalling to their favourite leaders. Public meetings are also being held with decorations and a massive stage. Election surveillance teams were looking out for those who violated the model code of conduct in streets and highways. Security is also on alert at important places like Railway Stations and Airports in the State. My Vote My Voice Campaign posters and banners are also raising awareness on the importance of voting. Joy, AKASHVANI NEWS, Chennai.”
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The election campaign for the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly has gathered significant momentum, with major political parties intensifying their outreach efforts across the state. More from our correspondent:
“The campaign has been marked by aggressive rallies, roadshows, and door-to-door outreach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to spearhead the BJP’s campaign with multiple rallies across North Bengal and other key districts, from tomorrow reflecting the party’s strategy to gain ground in the region. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been actively campaigning across the state, focusing on grassroots mobilisation and highlighting her government’s welfare schemes. Several crucial issues have shaped the discourse during the campaign, Economy of the state, Unemployment and lack of industrial growth, law and order remain major voter concerns. As polling dates approach, the state remains at the centre of national political attention, with the outcome expected to have significant implications for the broader political landscape of India. Sandipon Dasgupta, AKASHVANI, Kolkata.”
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The Election Commission has suspended four police officers in Kolkata following allegations of security lapses during a roadshow and submission of nomination of BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur, attended by Senior BJP leader Amit Shah.
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The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has said that the government is making all efforts to ensure availability of Petrol, Diesel and LPG across the country. It has advised citizens to avoid panic purchase of Petrol and Diesel and unnecessary booking of LPG. The Ministry said, it has taken proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG. The five Kilogram cylinders are available at nearby LPG distributorships and can be purchased by showing any valid ID proofs. The Ministry added that no address proof is required to purchase five Kilogram cylinders.
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The conflict in West Asia has entered another intense phase, with strikes reported across multiple fronts simultaneously. In one of the most alarming developments, a projectile struck near the perimeter of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Saturday, killing a member of the facility’s physical protection unit and damaging an auxiliary building. The International Atomic Energy Agency, citing Iranian authorities, confirmed the incident and said there was no increase in radiation levels following the strike. A report:
“The strike on Bushehr is the fourth time the plant has been hit since the war began on the twenty-eighth of February. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised the lack of international concern for its safety. Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, which built the plant and has been overseeing construction of two additional units, has now begun a final evacuation of staff. The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned that nuclear plant sites must never be attacked and that auxiliary buildings may contain vital safety equipments. Authorities confirmed the plant’s core infrastructure remains intact and that electricity generation has not been disrupted. Despite that reassurance, the repeated targeting of the site has drawn widespread alarm from nuclear safety experts and world governments. VINOD KUMAR,AKASHVANI NEWS, DUBAI.”
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The Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, highlighted the transformative power of education and its vital role in the journey toward a “Viksit Bharat.” Addressing the 3rd Convocation Ceremony at Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, he urged students to use their knowledge to address the challenges facing the country. The Vice President described the current era as “Amrit Kaal,” noting that the youth are the primary architects of India’s future. He stated that India is poised to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, driven by the power of its youth.
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Executive Director, Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices – EPCMD, Praveen Kumar Mittal today welcomed the government’s decision to exempt customs duty on a wide range of petrochemical products. Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, Mr Mittal said the decision will directly mitigate inflationary pressures and address supply disruptions arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He noted that the timely intervention will help ensure stability in supply.
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan and the government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen from Iran. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar expressed appreciation for enabling the evacuation of Indian fishermen through Armenia to India. The 345 Indian Fishermen arrived in Chennai this evening.
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In IPL Cricket, Rajasthan Royals were 193 for 5 in 182 overs against Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, when reports last came in. Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bat first.
Earlier, in the first match of the day, Delhi Capitals defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Riding on Sameer Rizvi’s impressive 90 runs, Delhi Capitals surpassed the target of 163 runs scoring 164 for Four wickets in 18.1 overs. Put into bat, Mumbai Indians scored 162 runs for six wickets in stipulated 20 overs. Delhi Capitals had won the toss and opted to bowl.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Electioneering gains momentum for Assembly polls in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal with Senior leaders of political parties holding public meetings and rallies.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, government’s strong ties with Gulf countries help protect Indians there during these difficult times.
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry advices citizens to avoid panic purchase of Petrol and Diesel and unnecessary booking of LPG.
- Conflict in West Asia enters another intense phase with strikes reported across multiple fronts simultaneously.
- Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan highlights transformative power of education in journey towards Viksit Bharat.
- And, in IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals beat Mumbai Indians by six wickets in Delhi; Another match between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals underway in Ahmedabad.
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