Nepal President says making all efforts to find a solution

This report focuses on the escalating tension between the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government and the Election Commission of India over the Special Information Revision (SIR) exercise. The state government has claimed that Kolkata is 'infiltrator-mukt' (free of infiltrators), asserting that no illegal voters were identified in South Kolkata. According to preliminary data cited in the bulletin, only 11,472 voters have been marked as illegal, with the majority—over 9,000—located in the Nadia district. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Election Commission of harassing citizens through this exercise. Simultaneously, a legal battle has reached the Calcutta High Court following Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the IPAC office. The ED alleges that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee 'forcefully removed the digital devices and the documents' during the search, while the TMC contends the raids are politically motivated and violate constitutional rights. The High Court is set to hear the petitions today via live-streamed proceedings.

This India Today bureau report highlights the intensifying political battle in Tamil Nadu as the state celebrates Pongal ahead of the 2026 elections. Chief Minister MK Stalin described the festival as a 'secular celebration which has no caste, no religion,' while accusing the Centre of neglecting the state. Conversely, BJP leader K. Annamalai called for an end to 'anti-people DMK rule,' labeling the upcoming polls as a 'political Pongal' to burn corruption. The report details a massive distribution of festive hampers, including stainless steel utensils, sarees, and cricket kits, by both DMK and AIADMK leaders. Ministers K.N. Nehru and S. Raghupati were noted for distributing branded vessels, while AIADMK’s Vijay Bhaskar and SP Velumani provided pots and sports gear. Analysts suggest these 'freebies' are a strategic tool to woo the electorate, transforming a traditional government initiative into a high-stakes electoral battleground for voter goodwill in the state.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending his heartfelt greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu and the global Tamil community on the occasion of Pongal. The Prime Minister lauded the 'hardworking farmers of the state of Tamil Nadu' and described the festival as a 'shining example of Tamil tradition.' In a letter addressed to the community, he noted that Pongal has emerged as a global festival that reinforces the spirit of togetherness. The report further highlights that Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to participate in Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan today. This gesture underscores the Prime Minister's appreciation for Tamil culture and the oldest language in the world. The programme explores the significance of these greetings and the Prime Minister's scheduled participation in the festivities, marking a continued tradition of his engagement with Tamil cultural celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Tamil Nadu on Pongal, praising the state’s farmers and its rich cultural heritage. In his address, Modi said, 'Pongal is a shining example of the grand Tamil tradition' and emphasised its role in fostering unity and celebrating agricultural life. He is participating in Pongal celebrations at Union Minister L. Murugan’s residence in Delhi, where prominent BJP leaders from Tamil Nadu have gathered. The festivities feature cultural programmes and promote the theme of 'Modi Pongal', highlighting outreach by BJP leaders to Tamil communities nationwide. The focus remains on togetherness and the festival’s agricultural roots.