April 29, 2026 - IndiaVerve

Exit Polls show BJP edge in Assam, no clear consensus in Bengal

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Exit polls released today after the conclusion of voting across Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry indicate a likely advantage for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam, while presenting sharply divided projections in West Bengal and clearer trends in southern states.

In Assam, most polling agencies have projected a comfortable majority for the BJP-led alliance in the 126-member Assembly. Estimates across agencies broadly place the alliance between 85 and 101 seats, while the Congress-led alliance is expected to remain behind with projections ranging from around 23 to 39 seats.

West Bengal, however, shows no clear consensus among pollsters. While agencies such as Peoples Pulse and Janmat Polls project a decisive victory for the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee, others including Matrize, P-Marq, Poll Diary and Praja Poll give an advantage to the BJP. With the majority mark set at 148 in the 294-member Assembly, projections vary widely, indicating a highly competitive contest.

In Tamil Nadu, most exit polls suggest the DMK-led alliance is ahead, though some agencies indicate a closer contest involving the AIADMK alliance and TVK, pointing to a fragmented electoral picture. In Kerala, projections across agencies consistently place the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) ahead of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Polling in West Bengal was conducted in two phases with high voter participation, both phases recording close to or above 90 per cent turnout. Tamil Nadu also saw a turnout exceeding 84 per cent.

Exit Poll Snapshot (Agency-wise Projections)

Assam (126 seats)

Axis My India: BJP+ 88–100 | Congress+ 24–36
Poll Diary: BJP+ 86–101 | Congress+ 15–26
Matrize: BJP+ 85–95 | Congress+ 25–32 | Others 6–12

West Bengal (294 seats)

Janmat Polls: TMC+ 195–205 | BJP+ 80–90
Peoples Pulse: TMC+ 177–187 | BJP+ 95–110
Matrize: BJP+ 146–161 | TMC+ 125–140
P-Marq: BJP+ 150–175 | TMC+ 118–138
Praja Poll: BJP+ 178–208 | TMC+ 85–110
Poll Diary: BJP+ 142–171 | TMC+ 99–127

Tamil Nadu (234 seats)

Peoples Pulse: DMK+ 125–145 | AIADMK+ 65–80 | TVK+ 18–24
P-Marq: DMK+ 125–145 | AIADMK+ 65–85 | TVK+ 16–26
Matrize: DMK+ 122–132 | AIADMK+ 87–100
Axis My India: TVK+ 98–120 | DMK+ 92–110

Kerala (140 seats)

Axis My India: UDF 78–90 | LDF 49–62
Peoples Pulse: UDF 75–85 | LDF 55–65

Puducherry (30 seats)

Axis My India: NDA+ 16–20 | Congress+ 6–8
Praja Poll: NDA+ 19–25 | Congress+ 6–10

The 2026 election cycle witnessed high-voltage campaigning across states, with issues ranging from governance and welfare delivery to regional identity and electoral roll revisions. In West Bengal, the contest remained largely bipolar between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with the Congress-Left alliance attempting limited gains.

Past experience suggests caution in interpreting exit polls. In 2021, most projections underestimated the scale of the Trinamool Congress victory in West Bengal.

Exit polls are indicative and not definitive. The final outcome will be known when votes are counted on May 4.

India’s fightback falls short in 3-2 loss to China at Thomas Cup

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India’s national badminton team put up a spirited fight but fell short against the China national badminton team, losing 3-2 in a closely-contested tie at the Thomas Cup 2026 on Wednesday.

India had already secured a place in the quarterfinals with earlier wins over Australia and Canada, and the narrow defeat is unlikely to impact its progression in the tournament currently underway at Horsens, Denmark.

Despite the defeat, India had its moments, with Ayush Shetty and H. S. Prannoy delivering strong performances in their singles matches.
Ayush provided a crucial boost by securing India’s first point in the third rubber. The youngster overcame World No. 15 Weng Hongyang 17-21, 21-13, 21-15 in a hard-fought match lasting around 70 minutes. Fresh off a bronze medal at the Asian Championships, Ayush showed resilience after dropping the opening game, according to reports.

Veteran shuttler Prannoy also impressed, winning his match against Lu Guangzu 20-22, 21-19, 21-11. However, his victory came after the tie had already been decided in China’s favour.

Earlier, India’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty narrowly lost a thrilling contest to Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang 13-21, 21-13, 24-26 in a match that stretched over an hour.

China had earlier taken control of the tie after Li Shifeng defeated Lakshya Sen 21-19, 8-21, 21-12 in the opening rubber.

DRDO, Navy conduct maiden salvo launch of NASM-SR missiles

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Navy, on Wednesday successfully carried out the maiden salvo launch of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR) from a naval helicopter platform off the coast of the Bay of Bengal near Odisha.

During the trial, two missiles were fired in quick succession from the same helicopter, marking the first-ever salvo launch of an advanced air-launched anti-ship missile system in this category. According to officials, all mission objectives were achieved.

The launches were tracked and validated using radar, electro-optical systems, and telemetry deployed by the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. The missile system also demonstrated its precision strike capability, including a successful waterline hit, according to an official statement.

The NASM-SR is equipped with a solid propulsion booster and a long-burn sustainer. It integrates advanced subsystems such as a seeker, fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial navigation system, radio altimeter, high-bandwidth two-way data link, and jet-vane control. These technologies have been developed indigenously by DRDO laboratories in partnership with Indian industry.

The missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, along with other DRDO facilities, including Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, and ITR Chandipur. Production is being undertaken by development-cum-production partners with support from Indian industries and start-ups.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces, and industry partners for the successful test, stating that the system will significantly boost the operational capabilities of the country’s defence forces.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat also commended the teams involved in the successful launch.

Sacred Piprahwa Buddha relics reach Leh

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: In an atmosphere of deep devotion and spiritual fervour, the sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautama Buddha arrived in Leh on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a significant religious event in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The relics were flown in from New Delhi aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery. They were received by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, along with prominent religious leaders and public representatives, according to an official statement.

The reception ceremony featured traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and prayers led by monks. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented by the Ladakh Police. Among those present were Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, Ladakh Gonpa Association President Ven. Dorje Stanzin, Ladakh Buddhist Association President, Chering Dorjey Lakruk, former MPs Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and former CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, along with representatives from various organisations.

Following the reception, the relics were taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, where they will be displayed for public viewing starting May 1, coinciding with the 2569th Buddha Purnima. Thousands of devotees lined the route in traditional attire, reflecting strong community participation and reverence.

School children and members of the Tibetan community welcomed the delegation with flowers and greetings, adding to the celebratory mood.

Describing the occasion as highly auspicious, LG Saxena said the arrival of the relics has blessed the region. He noted that while the relics have been exhibited internationally, this marks the first time they have been brought out from their original place of preservation for exposition within India. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Ladakh for the event and urged people to participate in large numbers.

The Piprahwa relics have previously been displayed in countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, attracting widespread devotion.

In Ladakh, the relics will be open for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10, followed by exhibitions in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to 14. The relics are scheduled to be flown back to Delhi on May 15.

ACS Padhee reviews Kalinganagar industrial, urban development progress

April 30, 2026April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The government of Odisha on Wednesday reviewed the progress of industrial and urban development initiatives in the Kalinganagar region of Jajpur district, with Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee undertaking a field visit to assess land development and infrastructure readiness.

Padhee, who serves as Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department and Chairperson of the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, inspected nearly 600 acres of land at Alijanga. She also reviewed sites at Sukutijhara to evaluate their preparedness for industrial expansion.

During the visit, she was accompanied by District Collector Shri Ambar Kar, ADM Kalinganagar Sapan kumar Nanda, and other senior officials. The team also visited Tata Steel’s DB Plot No. 2, where discussions were held with representatives of the company and the district administration.

In addition to industrial infrastructure, the review covered ongoing urban development projects and flagship schemes in the district. The focus remained on strengthening urban infrastructure, improving service delivery and enhancing quality of life in emerging industrial townships.

Smt Padhee also chaired a high-level meeting at the KNDA Conference Hall to review the development trajectory of the Kalinganagar National Industrial Corridor (KNIC). The discussions involved officials from IDCO and the District Investment Promotion Agency (DIPA), with emphasis on streamlined land allocation, infrastructure provisioning and alignment of industrial growth with urban services.

The visit highlighted the state government’s focus on field-level monitoring, expediting infrastructure development and ensuring coordinated efforts across departments to support sustainable and investment-ready industrial ecosystems in Odisha.

West Bengal phase 2 polls record nearly 90% turnout amid sporadic violence

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Kolkata: West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 89.99 per cent till 5 pm in the second and final phase of Assembly elections on Wednesday, with polling held across 142 constituencies in the politically crucial southern belt of the state.

Polling began in the morning and is scheduled to continue till 6:30 pm, with voters already in queues at closing time allowed to cast their ballots. The phase covers key districts including Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman — regions considered strongholds of the Trinamool Congress.

According to data from the Election Commission of India, Purba Bardhaman recorded the highest turnout at 92.46 per cent, followed by Hooghly at 90.34 per cent and Howrah at 89.44 per cent. Around 3.21 crore electors were eligible to vote in this phase.

The second phase is being closely watched as a key test for the ruling Trinamool Congress, which had secured 123 of these 142 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party had won 18 seats, while the Indian Secular Front had secured one.

High-profile contests marked the phase, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari both contesting from the Bhabanipur seat. Several senior ministers, including Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, Shashi Panja and Bratya Basu, were also in the fray.

Tensions were reported from some areas during polling. In Bhabanipur, there was a brief flare-up as Banerjee and Adhikari exchanged sharp remarks in the same booth area. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported from a few locations, though polling largely remained orderly with security personnel deployed across constituencies.

The electoral contest in this phase is crucial in determining whether the BJP can make further inroads into South Bengal or whether the Trinamool Congress retains its dominance and strengthens its bid for a fourth consecutive term. Issues such as governance, welfare delivery and corruption had dominated campaigning ahead of voting.

The first phase had witnessed strong voter participation, and the high turnout in the second phase indicates sustained voter engagement. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Odisha holds ORCAD consultation to strengthen inclusive governance

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday convened a high-level consultation to deliberate on the proposed Odisha Resource Center for Ageing & Divyangjan (ORCAD), aimed at strengthening inclusive governance systems for elderly persons and persons with disabilities.

The consultation was organised by the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SS & EPD), Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund. The meeting, according to an official release, brought together senior government officials, representatives from UN agencies including United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF, along with development partners and domain experts.

Envisioned as a state-level centre of excellence, ORCAD is expected to serve as a strategic platform to advance inclusion, accessibility and coordinated service delivery for elderly persons and Divyangjan across Odisha. The proposed centre will focus on strengthening inter-departmental convergence, promoting evidence-based policymaking and enhancing institutional capacities at multiple administrative levels.

Shri Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary to the government, emphasised the need for responsive and inclusive systems capable of addressing emerging demographic challenges. He reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring dignity, independence and equitable access to opportunities for all sections of society.

Ms Parul Patawari, Director, highlighted that ORCAD is envisaged as a knowledge and resource hub supporting research, capacity building and policy innovation. She underlined the importance of institutional mechanisms that can translate data into scalable interventions and embed inclusion within governance systems.

The consultation saw participation from key departments including Health & Family Welfare, School & Mass Education, Higher Education, Mission Shakti, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, and Women & Child Development. Technical experts also contributed to discussions.

Dr Nadeem Noor, State Head of the United Nations Population Fund in Odisha, presented the proposed institutional framework for ORCAD, developed in partnership with the SS & EPD Department. The session was chaired by the Principal Secretary of the department.

The consultation generated actionable inputs to refine the institutional design, governance structure and implementation roadmap for ORCAD. The initiative is positioned as a significant step towards strengthening Odisha’s governance ecosystem for inclusive development, shifting focus from welfare-driven approaches to rights-based, institutionalised inclusion.

PM Modi inaugurates 594-km Ganga Expressway in Hardoi

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the 594-km long access-controlled Greenfield Ganga Expressway in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, describing it as a major milestone in the state’s infrastructure expansion and broader development journey. He highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the region, noting its deep connection with Maa Ganga and describing the area as a sacred landscape shaped by the river’s presence.

During the event, he linked the expressway project with both heritage and modern development, suggesting that improved connectivity in Uttar Pradesh reflected the blessings associated with the Ganga. He also said that such modern infrastructure projects symbolised India’s growing pace of development and pointed to them as indicators of the country’s future direction.

Modi also referred to his recent visits along the Ganga belt, from Bengal to Kashi, framing them as moments where spiritual geography and infrastructure growth converged. He welcomed the state government’s decision to name the expressway after Maa Ganga, calling it a reflection of India’s developmental vision combined with its cultural identity, according to an official statement.

According to him, the expressway was completed in less than five years and represented the country’s longest greenfield expressway corridor, which he described as an example of accelerated governance and execution speed.

Stretching across western, central, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, the corridor connects key economic, agricultural, and cultural regions across 12 districts. He said it would function as more than a transport route, calling it a gateway to new economic opportunities, aspirations, and mobility.

He also stressed its expected impact on agriculture, noting that farmers in the region had long faced challenges in reaching larger markets due to limited logistics and cold storage infrastructure. Improved connectivity, he indicated, would help increase farmers’ income by easing access to trade networks.

The prime minister further highlighted that the expressway would enhance regional integration, bringing the National Capital Region closer and encouraging new industrial development along its route. Industrial corridors are being developed in districts such as Hardoi, with focus areas including pharmaceuticals, textiles, handlooms, leather, and handicrafts, aimed at boosting employment for youth.

He referred to schemes such as Mudra Yojana and ODOP, saying they were strengthening MSMEs and small industries, and added that better transport infrastructure would help local products reach both domestic and international markets, thereby increasing household incomes.

CM Mohan Majhi unveils ₹1,330 crore projects in Keonjhar

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated, laid foundation stones and announced development projects worth over ₹1,330 crore during his visit to Keonjhar district, according to an official release.

At a development programme, the Chief Minister unveiled a total of 187 projects with an estimated outlay of ₹1,330.24 crore. This included foundation laying for 62 projects worth around ₹705 crore and inauguration of 24 completed projects built at a cost of about ₹251 crore. In addition, a package of approximately ₹375 crore was announced for 101 new projects.

As part of efforts to strengthen urban mobility, Majhi also launched a smart public transport system in the district with the introduction of 25 modern e-buses. A new ‘Ama Bus’ depot, constructed at a cost of ₹17 crore, was also inaugurated.

The e-bus service will offer fares starting from ₹5, aimed at benefiting daily commuters, particularly those from low and middle-income groups. All buses are fully air-conditioned and equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS systems, ensuring enhanced passenger safety.

The initiative also includes a focus on women’s participation in public transport. Around 150 people have been employed under the project, including 30 women guides and two women drivers. The Chief Minister said the initiative strengthens the state’s efforts towards women empowerment while improving urban transport services.

Addressing the gathering, Majhi said Keonjhar has contributed significantly to the state but had remained neglected in the past. He stated that development in the district has accelerated under the current government and that efforts are underway to establish a mega steel plant in the region, with the process nearing completion. He added that the district would be developed into one of the country’s leading industrial hubs.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the environmental benefits of the e-bus system, stating that it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 330 to 390 tonnes annually. He added that the service would be expanded to other cities in the state, with an allocation of approximately ₹238 crore for maintenance.

He further said that the next decade will be a “decade of resolve” for Odisha, with Keonjhar playing a crucial role in achieving the vision of a prosperous state by 2036.

On the occasion, financial assistance totalling ₹5.75 lakh was distributed to six beneficiaries from the district under various schemes.

Several public representatives and officials, including District Planning Committee Chairman Dr Fakir Mohan Naik, MP Ananta Naik, Patna MLA Akhil Chandra Naik, Special Development Council Chairperson Mamita Naik and Collector Vishal Singh, were present at the programme.

On Tuesday, the Chief Minister had laid the foundation stone for a ₹1,647 crore 420/220 kV grid substation at Uchhabali in Keonjhar’s Barbil region, marking a major step towards strengthening the state’s power infrastructure.

Odisha bank defends process after man carries sister’s remains to branch

April 29, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: A video that surfaced online two days ago showing a man allegedly carrying his deceased sister’s skeletal remains to a bank branch in Keonjhar district, Odisha, in an attempt to withdraw over Rs19,000 from her account has triggered widespread outrage and debate.

Following the viral circulation of the clip, the Odisha Grameen Bank issued a clarification, rejecting claims that bank officials had demanded the physical presence of the deceased for settlement. The bank said the situation arose due to procedural issues and the man’s inability to follow or accept the required documentation process.

In its statement posted on X, the bank said: “The reports circulating on various social media platforms alleging that Mr. Jitu Munda carried the mortal remains of his sister to a bank branch for withdrawal from her account, purportedly due to a demand by bank officials for the physical presence of the deceased for claim settlement, are incorrect and not based on facts.”

According to the bank, the deceased account holder, Kakra Munda, had a balance of Rs 19,402, which has now been processed in favour of her legal heirs after the submission of necessary documents. The bank also said official paperwork, including the death certificate and legal heir certificate, was received from government authorities before the claim was settled.

The bank further added: “We would like to submit that, today, the Government Authorities have issued the Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate. Immediately on receipt of these documents, Bank has settled the claim amount of Rs 19,402 in the name of three legal heirs and money handed over to them, in accordance with established norms.”

It also reiterated its service commitment, stating: “Our sponsored Regional Rural Bank, Odisha Grameen Bank, remains dedicated to serving customers with responsibility, transparency, and care.”

According to media reports, Jitu, a resident of Dianali village, had approached the bank to withdraw the remaining funds from his sister’s account after her death two months ago. With no immediate family left apart from him, he was identified as the sole surviving relative.

However, bank officials reportedly asked him to submit legal documents, including a death certificate and succession proof, before any withdrawal could be processed. Sources indicate that Munda, who is uneducated and unfamiliar with formal procedures, returned home unable to complete the requirements.

On Monday, he allegedly exhumed his sister’s remains, wrapped them, and carried them to the bank in an act that left villagers shocked and angered. Locals accused the bank of lacking sensitivity, arguing that alternative verification methods could have been explored.

Police later intervened at the branch and assured the man that the matter would be handled on humanitarian grounds. The remains were subsequently returned and reburied.

Meanwhile, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), the sponsor bank of Odisha Grameen Bank, clarified that officials had not asked for the physical presence of the deceased. It stated that the requirement was strictly related to documentation, adding: “They sought valid documents, including the death certificate.”