Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s extensive 15-day tour of West Bengal is being seen as a high-intensity political campaign ahead of Assembly elections. The article analyses how the duration and visibility of the visit aim to create a perception of BJP’s seriousness and organisational strength against TMC. It highlights Shah’s focus on booth-level strengthening, outreach to various communities, and countering TMC’s narrative on law and order.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply attacked the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, calling the Malda incident where judicial officers were held hostage a symbol of “Maha jungle raj” and complete collapse of law and order. Addressing a rally in Cooch Behar, he accused TMC of arrogance, sheltering infiltrators, and failing to protect constitutional institutions. He warned that those responsible for “looting” Bengal would be held accountable after the elections.

CBSE has announced major changes for 2026-27: students must study three languages with two Indian languages, treating English as a foreign language. Vocational subjects become compulsory in Classes 9-10. AI and computational thinking introduced from Class 3. New NCERT books are under careful review. The curriculum shifts towards competency-based, experiential learning aligned with NEP 2020.

Aam Aadmi Party leaders launched a strong attack on senior leader Raghav Chadha for not criticising PM Modi and the BJP-led Central government. Several AAP leaders shared videos highlighting Chadha’s silence. The development comes amid internal party tensions. BJP leaders came out in support of Chadha. The episode has triggered fresh speculation about differences within the AAP.

The Centre will convene a three-day special Parliament session from April 16 to 18 to pass key Constitution amendment bills. These include increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 and implementing the women’s reservation law (Nari Vandan Adhiniyam 2023). The Budget Session will not adjourn sine die. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha. The move has triggered sharp political reactions from opposition parties.

DMK will contest 164 of 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leaving 70 for allies. Congress gets 28 seats as the principal ally, followed by other partners including DMDK (10), VCK (8), CPI and CPI(M) (5 each), and MDMK (4). MK Stalin announced the seat-sharing and candidate list, confirming he will contest from Kolathur while Udhayanidhi Stalin retains Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni. Over 60 first-time candidates feature in DMK's list, including professionals and 18 women. Polls are scheduled for April 23 with results on May 4.

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report presented in the Gujarat Assembly revealed that 2,332.68 kg of seized narcotics (nearly 35% of total) vanished from police custody between October 2022 and July 2023. Out of 6,510.54 kg seized, only 4,177.86 kg was destroyed. Officials cited theft of 144.18 kg ganja, rats consuming portions, and natural moisture loss from drying green ganja and opium. The CAG expressed dissatisfaction with these explanations and demanded better storage and forensic infrastructure.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a married man staying in a consensual live-in relationship with an adult woman does not constitute a criminal offence. The Division Bench quashed concerns of prosecution and directed police protection for a couple facing family threats, including potential honour killing, in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The court stressed separating morality from law and referenced Supreme Court guidelines on safeguarding adults' right to life and personal liberty under the Constitution, regardless of marital status. The judgment reinforces individual freedom in personal relationships.

The upcoming assembly elections in four states are expected to have significant political and developmental implications. The states are witnessing intense campaigning, with major parties focusing on local issues, welfare schemes, and governance records. The results will not only decide the next governments but also influence national political equations and the balance of power ahead of future general elections. Analysts say these polls will serve as a litmus test for the ruling and opposition parties.

A passenger on the Vande Bharat Express from New Delhi to Varanasi found worms in the curd served as part of the meal. The passenger complained to IRCTC, which promptly investigated and fined the catering contractor Rs 10 lakh. The incident was captured on video and went viral on social media. IRCTC has assured strict action against the vendor and has initiated steps to improve quality control. The passenger was offered a full refund and an apology.