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NEW DELHI: As many as 500 companies of central armed police forces (CAPFs) will stay deployed in Bengal for post-poll law and order duties after the p.

Two cases filed based on EC complaint over clashes, loud slogans and crowding during BJP nomination filing in Kolkata. | Kolkata News

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Calling the Malda violence "unfortunate and condemnable," Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad on Friday accused the central government of undermining democracy and held it responsible for the incident, while also alleging that the Election Commission of India is no longer impartial or independent.

Assembly Elections 2026 Date Live Updates: The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections across five key regions -- West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry -- setting the stage for one of the biggest electoral exercises of the year. Polling will begin on April 9, when Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will vote in a single phase, while Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 23. West Bengal, the largest among the poll-bound states, will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all five regions will take place on May 4.The announcement has triggered intense political activity across states, with parties accelerating campaign strategies ahead of the April showdown. These elections, covering over 800 assembly seats and millions of voters, are seen as a major political test for both national and regional players., India News News, Times Now

Tamil Nadu gears up for a significant Assembly election on April 23. Smaller parties will face off directly in 21 constituencies. These parties receive backing from the DMK and AIADMK. Voters will see these smaller outfits prove their individual strength. The DMK and AIADMK themselves are in direct contests in 121 seats. Counting is scheduled for May 4.

Central forces will remain in West Bengal after vote counting on May 4. This decision follows past post-poll violence. Additionally, 200 companies will secure EVMs and counting centers. The Election Commission has also transferred the probe into the gherao of judicial officers to the NIA. An NIA team is expected in the state.

Nominations open for Tamil Nadu Assembly polls 2026, multi cornered contest with DMK, AIADMK, BJP, NTK and Vijay TVK, ECI adds online forms, key dates run from April 6 to May 4.

Following the EC's complaint, police filed FIRs against TMC for violating rules during BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's nomination and Amit Shah's roadshow.

By: Srishti LahotiaKOLKATA: EC on Thursday informed Calcutta HC that the 26 employees of West Bengal Central School Service Commission have been exemp.