BJP to win 63-68 seats in first three phases in Bengal: Amit Shah

BJP candidate Raju Banerjee's car allegedly attacked in North 24 Parganas

BJP candidate Raju Banerjee's car was allegedly attacked by goons on April 17 during the fifth phase of polls. He is the candidate from Kamarhati in North 24 Parganas. He has lodged a complaint with Election Commission. Fifth phase of pollings are underway for the 45 Assembly constituencies.

'BJP ruled states receiving preferential treatment of medical equipment', alleges Sonia Gandhi

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across India, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi alleged that BJP ruled states have been receiving preferential treatment in terms of medical equipment. "Some of our chief ministers told me that they were left with a few days of vaccines. They had no oxygen and they were running out of ventilators. But there has been a thundering silence on the part of the government. On the contrary, some other states of interests to the BJP have been receiving preferential treatment in terms of equipment etc," said Congress president.

Audiotape controversy: Mamata says her phone was tapped | Oneindia News

Creating a fresh controversy, the BJP had on Friday released an audiotape in which West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee can purportedly be heard proposing a rally with the bodies of the 5 firing victims of Cooch Behar. Mamata Banerjee has now alleged that her phone is being tapped. #Audiotape #Controversy #PhoneTapping

WB polls: Wearing PPE kits, 3 COVID positive patients cast votes in Siliguri

Wearing PPE kits, three COVID-19 positive patients came to cast their votes in WB's Siliguri on April 17. They went to Booth No 173A at Siliguri Girls School to exercise their right. Fifth phase of West Bengal Assembly elections held today.

WB polls: TMC's office camp allegedly vandalised by central forces in North 24 Parganas

With fifth phase of polling is underway in West Bengal, a report of TMC camp office vandalism has surfaced from Deganga Assembly constituency. TMC's camp office was vandalised at booth number 81 in Kumarpur on April 17. The party workers alleged that central forces are behind the vandalism. West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 69.40 per cent till 3.30 pm across 45 constituencies in six districts during the fifth phase of the state Assembly polls, according to the Election Commission (EC). Voting for the fifth phase of West Bengal Assembly polls began at 7 am on Saturday amid tight security.

Watch: Mamata's alleged call on Bengal firing leaked by BJP, complaint to EC

BJP released a purported audio clip of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee speaking to Sitalkuchi nominee. BJP claimed that Mamata proposed a rally with bodies of Cooch Behar firing victims. A BJP delegation urged Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab to take note of the clip. BJP claimed such a move could lead to untoward situations in the state amid ongoing polls. Meanwhile, TMC has described the audio clip as 'bogus' and said no such conversation took place. Violence marred a Cooch Behar polling booth during the fourth round of voting on April 10. Four persons died near a booth in Sitalkuchi constituency of Cooch Behar district. Reports suggest central forces opened fire allegedly after coming under attack from locals. Incident took place after locals allegedly attempted to snatch rifles of central forces. Watch the full video for more details.

'TMC goons not allowing voters to enter at polling booth', alleges BJP candidate

In the ongoing West Bengal Assembly polls, BJP candidate from Bidhan Nagar, Sabya Sabyasachi Dutta alleged that 'TCM goons' are stopping voters in Nayapatti Bidhan Nagar during polls. "TMC goons stopped me here at Nayapatti. They are also stopping the voters even as polling is underway," he said. Heavy central forces are deployed at the polling station to maintain the law and order. Fifth phase of polling are underway for the 45 Assembly constituencies.

WB polls: Mimi Chakraborty casts her vote in Jalpaiguri

All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mimi Chakraborty cast her vote at a polling booth in Jalpaiguri on Apr 17 as fifth phase of the WB Assembly elections is underway today. She followed COVID precautionary measures at the polling station. Mimi was also seen clicking pictures with her fans.

COVID: Digvijaya Singh, Harsimrat Badal, other politicos test positive

As COVID-19 cases spread across India like wildfire, several politicos on April 16 tested positive. Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Shiromani Akali Dal MP from Bathinda Harsimrat Kaur Badal, an independent MLA from Vadgam Assembly Constituency Jignesh Mevani have tested positive for COVID-19. The leaders urged people who were in their contact to get tested. Country reported highest ever spike of over 2.17 lakh COVID-19 cases on April 16.

Ossoff: Voter restrictions in Georgia are 'disgraceful'

Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff speaks to Amanpour about the need for Congress to act in the wake of voter restriction laws in his home state of Georgia.

Piyush Goyal slams Kerala govt over Sabarimala rail project

Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, who has joined BJP's campaign in Kerala for the upcoming assembly elections, slammed the ruling LDF and principle opposition UDF by saying that the people of the state are "tired of corruption, failure and misgovernance" by both Congress and communists. "People of Kerala are tired of corruption, failure and misgovernance of both Congress and Communists. They want development, progress and jobs. They want tourism to grow. Kerala is poised for change, they deserve change," Goyal said during a roadshow in Kochi. Remarking on the state of railway projects in Kerala, Goyal said Centre is keen on implementing the Sabarimala rail connectivity project, but the speed of other projects made him wonder whether the state government will ever allow Sabarimala to be connected through railways. Kerala will go to polls on April 06 with counting of votes scheduled for May 02.

Cuba music: Anti-communist song goes viral

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