The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe recovery of 79 crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengal, officials said.

The move on Sunday (April 26, 2026) came following a directive by the Union Home Ministry in this regard, they said.

In pursuance to the Home Ministry’s order, the anti-terror agency on Sunday (April 26, 2026) registered a case, which was originally filed at Uttar Kashi police station, Bhangar division, Kolkata on Saturday (April 25, 2026), and took up the investigation, an NIA spokesperson said in a late night statement.

“The case pertains to recovery of 79 crude bombs and other incriminating materials by Kolkata police, which were being stored at a spot, thereby endangering human life and property,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier in the day, the Election Commission had directed the West Bengal Police to launch a special drive to arrest those involved in illegal manufacturing of crude bombs in the poll-bound state, an official said. -- PTI

One more writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking an inquiry into the assets declared by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay while filing his nomination papers for contesting from Perambur Assembly constituency in the elections held this year.

District election officials are considering increasing the number of tables at the vote-counting centre for the Paravur Assembly constituency amid concerns over a possible delay in declaring results. Paravur is among the constituencies to be keenly watched on the counting day as Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan seeks re-election from there. The counting centre for the constituency will be at UC College, Aluva.

Officials had earlier decided to set up 13 counting tables at the centre, citing space constraints inside the counting hall. Most of the other constituencies will have 14 tables, it is learnt.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (April 26, 2026) joined the Trinamool Congress campaign in West Bengal, addressing three election rallies—two in Kolkata and one in Howrah.

His visit comes during the last leg of poll campaign in the State. Campaigning for the second phase of the Assembly elections will conclude at 6 p.m. on Monday (April 27). A few days ago, the AAP suffered a major setback when seven of its 10 MPs crossed over to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With hours left for campaigning in the last phase of elections in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (April 26, 2026) focused on issues concerning the Matua population and assured that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will assure citizenship to the community of Hindu refugees that has migrated from Bangladesh.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee focused on her constituency in Bhabanipur where she held a road show. She raised several issues, including the deletions of under-adjudication voters from the electoral roll, and targeted the administration that has been appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI). “Those who are arresting now must think about getting arrested in future. Sin spares no one,” she said.

A total of 24,22,097 voters, out of an electorate of 28,93,505, exercised their franchise in Chennai District this Assembly election.

According to data shared by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) with The Hindu, the overall voter turnout across the 16 constituencies is 83.71%.

The total number of votes polled increased marginally by 20,038, compared to the 2021 Assembly election, when 24,02,059 votes were polled, as per Election Commission data.

​The Election Commission of India (ECI)​ on Sunday (April 26, 2026) announced a stringent security plan for the second phase of the ​West Bengal Assembly polls​, making it clear that any attempt to disrupt voting or obstruct electors would be dealt with firmly, an official said.

The ECI directed security personnel to carry out constituency-wise deployment and step up area domination exercises in interior lanes and sensitive neighbourhoods to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise without fear.

​

​