Hindu

Joint statement accuses BJP of manufacturing controversy over Thirupparankundram Hill; urges people to uphold harmony

Defence argues speeches, however unpalatable, do not amount to criminal conspiracy; court to hear closing submissions

EC offers statistics in response to pleas for extension of deadlines by migrant workers in T.N., students in Kerala; SC says EC must protect BLOs along with States; EC blames hostile political parties for BLOs’ stress

“Don’t want your mercy,” says CM, rejecting conditions of an immediate labour budget, training; says State will expand its own Karmashree scheme instead; MGNREGA has been suspended in WB since March 2022

Manish Tewari raises serious questions about the Election Commission’s impartiality and calls for major reforms in the selection process. He highlights concerns over EVM manipulation, advocates 100% VVPAT counting, and even suggests returning to paper ballots to restore public trust in democracy.

The polling percentage surpassed the 2020 figure of 72.49% with municipalities recording 75.09% and tri-level panchayats 77.14% voter turnout

With Kannur remaining largely peaceful under heavy police deployment due to past tensions, ‘kottikalasam’ peak sat Kanhangad in Kasaragod, where all three fronts are expected to face a close contest in the local body elections