Tensions escalated ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused parties like AIMIM and ISF of inciting unrest during a gherao incident in Malda district. She further alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress played a role in instigating the situation.The controversy follows an incident in Malda’s Kaliachak, where seven judicial officers on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duty were confined inside a block office for several hours. West Bengal Police have since arrested the alleged mastermind behind the gherao. Acting on directives from the Supreme Court of India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).Meanwhile, the ECI announced that all employees, including daily wage and casual workers, will receive paid leave on polling days for the upcoming elections. Political activity has intensified across states, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to hold a roadshow in Puducherry.
Polling in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry is set for April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will hold elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4, 2026
