Overview
- TMC-linked petitioners, whose plea was admitted Monday by the Calcutta High Court, allege the Election Commission sought a list of about 800 party workers for preventive detention before polling.
- The Election Commission has positioned a record 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces across West Bengal to deter violence and reassure voters, with the Chief Election Commissioner pledging fear-free polling.
- Campaigning closes Tuesday under tighter curbs before Thursday’s first phase, including a night ban on motorcycles, tourist limits in Digha, and extended dry days ordered by the poll body.
- The Enforcement Directorate’s probe into consultancy I-PAC continues after the arrest of director Vinesh Chandel under the anti–money laundering law, as the TMC denies reports of an I-PAC shutdown and Mamata Banerjee promises jobs to affected staff.
- Rival messages hardened on the trail, with TMC leaders warning of ‘orchestrated’ agency action and raising EVM concerns, while BJP leaders said the CAPF presence will protect ballots and pressed voters for change on April 23 and 29.