Modi hails politics of performance as BJP storms Bengal

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May 5, 2026

NEW DELHI, May 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s stellar showing in the West Bengal Assembly polls during a grand victory celebration at the party headquarters in the Capital on Monday, underlining that the people’s verdict marked their faith in democracy and the politics of performance.

As votes were counted, Election Commission trends showed a landslide for the BJP with 208 combined wins and leads out of 293 seats contested in the 294-strong Assembly – re-polling has been ordered in one constituency – as the incumbent TMC was left reeling at just 79.

The latest electoral cycle also saw a spectacular debut in Tamil Nadu by actor-politician Vijay’s TVK with 106 wins and leads out of 234 seats to emerge as the largest single party, a wipeout of the Left as it tasted defeat in its last bastion, and a solitary win in Kerala for the Congress, which has been battling diminishing electoral returns.

“Our mantra is nagrik devobhava (citizen is god). We are dedicated to serving the people. That is why the people have shown their faith in the BJP. They know the BJP is synonymous with good governance, whether it is state government or civic elections as you saw in the party winning its highest ever vote share in the recent Gujarat local body polls,” Prime Minister Modi said.

Wearing a traditional Bengali dhoti-kurta, Modi expressed gratitude to party karyakartas (workers) and the voters of West Bengal, Assam as well as Puducherry, assured the people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala that the BJP would strive to serve them equally, and took a dig at old foe Congress, saying he was sure that the people of Kerala would teach the party a lesson in the next elections.

As regional powerhouse TMC stared at a bleak future with its citadel breached, the PM paid glowing tributes to Sangh ideologue Shyama Prasad Mukherjee for fighting to keep West Bengal in India and said it was fitting that in the 150th year of Vande Bharat the state witnessed “poriborton” (political change), emphasising that the reign of fear was over.

“Those like Dr Mukherjee who believe in rashtra sarvopari (nation above all) are always ready to sacrifice their lives for the country. His vision for Bengal has come true today on May 4, 2026 as the people of the state have given us the opportunity to serve.”

“For the first time in Bengal, the elections were conducted completely peacefully, with not a single person losing their life,” the PM said in reference to the role played by security forces in ensuring incident-free polls.

More than 2.5 lakh personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), along with state police, were deployed with the TMC and BJP engaging in a showdown outside several strongrooms where EVMs were stored in the run-up to the counting.

In Assam, where the election was a hot-headed affair too, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the BJP to another straight victory, bagging 82 of the 126 seats, leaving the Congress far behind at 19. Congress state unit president Gaurav Gogoi faced his first electoral defeat in Jorhat.

“Hat-Trick with a century!” a jubilant Sarma posted on X and thanked the people of Assam.

The cynosure of Elections 2026, however, was West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress was eyeing a fourth straight term in its only bastion.

“The Lotus blooms in West Bengal! The 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections will be remembered forever. People’s power has prevailed and BJP’s politics of good governance has triumphed,” Modi said on X before the victory speech at the party headquarters.

As counting progressed, power for the TMC seemed to be pulling away – further and further. The state’s political landscape was changing with the BJP, its campaign spearheaded by Amit Shah with Modi as its lodestar, pushing ahead in border, tribal and industrial regions, while the TMC held ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.

The numbers, pollsters said, clearly indicated that it was all over for the tough talking Mamata Banerjee and another victory for Brand Modi.

A defiant Banerjee disagreed even as latest trends showed her trailing behind the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in the Bhabanipur constituency.

“A false narrative is being spread,” she alleged in a video message.

The chief minister accused the Election Commission of “not declaring results or leads” in areas where the TMC was ahead.

“This is a game plan by the EC and the BJP as it (the poll panel) is not declaring results or leads in areas where we are leading,” she said.

Banerjee also alleged irregularities in the counting process at some locations.

“In several places, counting has been stopped after the first two to three rounds. In Kalyani, we have caught seven machines with severe anomalies,” she claimed.

“I appeal to everyone that neither TMC candidates nor counting agents should abandon the counting centres,” Banerjee said. Later, she alleged that “100 seats were looted by the BJP through cheating.”

It was a volatile election campaign with issues of the SIR, electoral rigging and polarisation dominating the discourse.

West Bengal was one headline of Elections 2026, the other was superstar Vijay, who defied the odds and the taint of a stampede during his rally in September 2025 in which 41 people were killed. That was clearly in the past as his party broke the bipolar cycle of Dravidian politics.

Congratulating Vijay, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “The mandate reflects the rising voice of the youth, which cannot and will not be ignored.”

The ruling DMK that had started the morning at number three position was at 59 and the AIADMK at 47.

The choice, it appeared, was clear. Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar appeared set to join the pantheon of MGR and Jayalalithaa as the stars who made it big in the political firmament. The star of hits such as “Mersal” and “Leo” went into the campaign with a list of lofty poll promises, including 8 gm gold for marriage, worth about Rs 1.12 lakh. Vijay’s assurances in the party manifesto also included Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women below 60 years of age and six free cooking gas cylinders a year per family.

With the Kerala win in its pocket, Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming support.

“To all my brothers and sisters in Keralam, thank you for your faith and for your overwhelming support. The trust you have placed in us will be the UDF’s guiding force as we work hard towards building a better future for each one of you,” she said.

In Puducherry, the All India NR Congress had won or was ahead in 12 of the 30 seats. The DMK stood at five and the BJP at four. The TVK made its presence felt with two.( PTI)

DC Ramban inspects proposed sites for Degree College

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior correspondent

RAMBAN, MAY 04: Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today visited Batote and conducted an on-site inspection of the proposed land for the construction of Government Degree College in the Town.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner carried out a comprehensive review of the proposed site, examining its suitability in terms of accessibility, topography and feasibility.

“The construction of the Degree College at Batote will significantly enhance higher education facilities for students of the area and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region,” he noted.

Highlighting the importance of timely execution, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to expedite the necessary formalities, including demarcation and preparation of requisite documentation, so that the project can be taken up at the earliest.

In addition to the education project, the Deputy Commissioner also inspected the land proposed for the construction of the DIG DKR Range Office. He reviewed the site from an administrative and logistical perspective and instructed officials to ensure that all procedural requirements are completed in a time-bound manner for early commencement of construction work.

The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Shokat Hayat Mattoo; Executive Engineer PWD Ranjit Singh; Tehsildar Batote Vijay Kumar; along with other officers from the Revenue and Police Departments. The officers briefed him on the status of land identification, feasibility aspects and other technical parameters related to both projects.

He directed officers to remain focused on fast-tracking key developmental projects to meet public aspirations and ensure inclusive growth across all sectors in Ramban district.

Indian boxers register strong results across categories

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

TASHKENT, May 4: India’s young boxers continued to dominate at the Asian Boxing U15 & U17 Championships 2026 with a series of strong performances here on Monday.
In the U-17 boys’ competition, Yadav Yash (50kg) secured a commanding 5:0 victory over Turkmenistan’s Suleyman Ahmedov, while Karuna Albertson Kom (60kg) impressed with a 4:1 win against Tajikistan’s Ali Nazarov.
Gopal Rameshwar Ganeshe (52kg) was involved in a closely fought contest but went down narrowly 2:3 against Tajikistan’s Nazarov Damir. Mishra Prashant (57kg) faced a tough opponent in China’s Tangjie Liu and lost 0:5.
In the U-15 girls’ quarterfinals, Khushi Rana (49kg) delivered a dominant performance, winning by RSC in Round 1 against Vietnam’s Thi Ngoc Truc Nguyen, while Hanshika Attri (46kg) secured a convincing 5:0 victory over Uzbekistan’s Visola Bakhtiyorova.
Nitya Pandey (55kg) put up a strong fight but was defeated by Kazakhstan’s Aruna Shalman.
Among the U-15 boys, Samir Bohra (43kg) registered a convincing 5:0 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Hao-Ting Chang in the preliminary round.
With a mix of commanding wins and closely contested bouts, the Indian contingent continues to showcase promising talent across age groups, as the tournament progresses in Tashkent. (PTI)

DDC reviews SBM-G, NMBA, directs strict action against waste dumping in Water Bodies

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior correspondent

BANDIPORA, MAY 04: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, today chaired a review meeting at the VC Room of Mini Secretariat Bandipora to discuss implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), functioning of youth clubs and District Plan status.

During the meeting, the DDC stressed proper waste management practices including source segregation, waste collection and efficient utilisation of SBM-G funds. The meeting was informed that segregation sheds and vermicompost pits have been established across blocks.

The DDC directed that SBM activities should be planned and implemented effectively at Panchayat level with active involvement of field functionaries and local stakeholders. She also stressed better utilisation of segregation sheds and directed officers to ensure proper waste segregation mechanisms on ground.

Expressing concern over waste being dumped into water bodies in Gurez, Athwatoo and other areas, the DDC directed officers to take strict action against violators and intensify awareness drives. She further directed that people found throwing garbage in open spaces will be penalised as per norms. BDO Gurez informed that sensitisation campaigns are being conducted among people residing near the Kishanganga river.

The DDC also directed that user fees under SBM-G will be made mandatory to ensure sustainability of waste management systems and directed BDOs to hold regular meetings with field functionaries while strengthening sanitation infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by District Programme Officer ICDS Bandipora, Yaar Ali Khan; Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Block Development Officers, District Programme Manager (NRLM) and other concerned officers, while officers from Gurez joined virtually.

DC Kathua discusses District Annual Plan for current fiscal year

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior correspondent

KATHUA, MAY 04: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of district officers to review the District Capex Plan for the current fiscal year at the DC Office Complex.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the sectoral officers to incorporate only feasible and need-based works in the Capex Plan so that projects can be executed efficiently and within the prescribed timelines. “Unrealistic or non-viable proposals should be avoided and priority must be given to works with tangible public utility and long-term impact,” he emphasized.

The DC stressed the importance of taking the elected MLAs on board while framing the plan so that developmental priorities of the people are adequately reflected and aligned with public expectations. He asked the officers to maintain close coordination with public representatives to ensure transparency and better planning outcomes.

He further instructed the departments to identify and remove bottlenecks hampering execution of developmental works, including land issues, technical clearances and administrative delays, so that implementation remains smooth and uninterrupted.

The Deputy Commissioner laid special emphasis on early submission of departmental proposals for final approval, stating that timely planning is crucial for effective utilization of funds and prompt commencement of developmental works during the financial year.

He called upon all departments to work in a coordinated manner and ensure that the Capex Plan serves as a practical roadmap for inclusive and sustainable development across the district.

ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma, IAS Probationer Nidhi, CPO Ranjeet Thakur, ACD Akhil Sadotra and other district and sectoral officers attended the meeting.

More than 300 families evacuate in Philippines due to ashfall from volcano

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

MANILA, May 4 : More than 300 families have been evacuated after massive amounts of ash billowed from the Mayon volcano over the weekend due to the collapse of lava deposits from its slopes, officials said Monday.

There was no explosive eruption from Mayon, which has been erupting mildly on and off since January, but huge deposits of lava on its southwestern slope suddenly cascaded down in a pyroclastic flow – an avalanche of hot rocks, ash and gas – before nightfall on Saturday, said Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

No deaths or injuries were reported, but massive clouds of ash scattered over 87 villages in three towns, catching many by surprise and slowing down motorists due to poor visibility, officials said.

“The ashfall was just so thick and there was zero visibility even in our national road,” Mayor Caloy Baldo of Camalig town, which lies near the volcano’s foothills, said.

“Some villagers panicked but we advised them to calm down,” Baldo told The Associated Press.

Vegetable farms were damaged by the ashfall, which also killed four water buffaloes and a cow in Camalig, Baldo said, adding that a cleanup was underway in his town of 8,000 people in Albay province.

“It’s calm again now but the danger is always there,” Bacolcol said of Mayon’s condition Monday.

The 2,462-metre (8,077-foot) volcano is one of the Philippines’ top tourism draws because of its near-perfect cone shape. But it’s also the most active of the country’s 24 volcanoes.

Authorities raised the five-step alert around Mayon to level 3 in January after a series of mild eruptions that caused intermittent rockfalls, some as big as cars, from its peak crater along with deadly pyroclastic flows.

Alert 5 means an explosive and life-threatening eruption is underway with deadly volcanic lava and pyroclastic flows and heavy ashfall. (AP)

DC reviews relief cases for victims of cross-border shelling and Violence

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, MAY 04: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District Level-cum-Screening Committee to review and process cases under the Central Scheme for Assistance to Civilian Victims of cross-border shelling and other forms of violence.

The meeting focused on the settlement of relief cases pertaining to victims and families affected by terrorist violence, communal incidents, cross-border firing and mine/IED blasts on Indian Territory.

During the proceedings, the Committee thoroughly examined the cases in accordance with the prescribed norms and guidelines of the Government of India to ensure fair and justified disbursement of relief. After detailed discussion, one case was approved by the committee.

Emphasizing strict adherence to norms, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of transparency, accuracy and accountability in the verification process. He stressed that all genuine beneficiaries must receive timely financial assistance without any delay.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police Ajay Sharma; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan; DSWO, Khalil Ahmed Banday, Chief Accounts Officer, District Fund Office; Saleem Malik, Tehsildar Headquarters, Pallvi Verma; CDPO, Abdul Aziz; Account Officer DC Office, Akshay Sharma and other concerned officers.

DDC reviews progress of Heritage Restoration Projects in Kishtwar

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, MAY 04: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing works and discuss new project proposals for Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Conservation of Architecture & Heritage of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir Scheme.

The Deputy Commissioner undertook a detailed review of the physical and financial progress of ongoing heritage restoration projects under the J&K Architecture & Heritage Scheme works under the UT CAPEX and CSS schemes.

These schemes included the development and beautification of Shri Sarthal Mata Temple; construction of Ghonkhan at Gompa Guldharpatti, Padder; development of Shri Machail Mata Ji Temple Padder and beautification works at Astan Bala Shah Farid-ud-Din Sahib Bagdadi and Astan Pain (Shah Asrar-ud-Din Sahib Bagdadi) in Kishtwar town. The DC emphasized the timely completion of these works while ensuring quality and adherence to approved plans.

Further, the DC reviewed the proposal for development and beautification of Hud Mata, Dachhan, which is being revisited for refinement of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He also directed to submit DPR for the preservation, development and beautification of Shiv Mandir Sranwan Thakrie.

The DC directed the concerned departments, particularly PWD (R&B) to ensure that tenders are floated with appropriate eligibility conditions, including prior experience in executing similar nature of works. He stressed that all projects must strictly adhere to traditional architectural patterns and historical aesthetics to preserve the authenticity and cultural significance of the heritage sites.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal; CPO Akhil Thakur; Executive Engineers besides other officers and concerned staff.

Injured Phil Salt returns home for scans

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

NEW DELHI, May 4: Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt has returned to England for scans on a finger injury sustained last month.
The injury has kept Salt out of RCB’s last three matches, with compatriot Jacob Bethell stepping in at the top of the order.
The 29-year-old is reported to have “damaged a finger on his left hand” while diving to save a boundary at deep backward square leg during RCB’s defeat to Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18.
“Salt, who is centrally contracted by the ECB, has since returned home at the request of England’s management and has undergone scans on his finger,” ESPNCricinfo reported.
According to the report, both RCB and Salt are hopeful of a speedy recovery and the opener can return to India later this month.
Salt had enjoyed a strong start to the season, amassing 202 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 168.33.
RCB are currently second on the points table behind Punjab Kings. They take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday next. (PTI)

Power shutdown

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL Jammu has informed that the power supply to Keeriyan Gandyal, Keerian Industry and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 05 from 7 am to 2 pm.
Similarly, the power supply to Ward No. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Taraf Sanji, Jarai, Bhagthali, Bhagthali Industry, PHE Installations, Paliwand, Basantpur, RTIC, MES Lakhanpur and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 05 from 6 am to 11 am.
Meanwhile, the Superintending Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL O&M Circle Kathua has informed that the power supply to Baba Sidhgoriya and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 06 from 7 am to 12 noon.