West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at an election rally in Manikchak, Malda district on April 4, 2026, raised concerns regarding the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) actions in connection with violence and the alleged gherao of judicial officers in Mothabari. She stated that while "two communal parties" responsible for the incident had escaped, the NIA was apprehending and harassing what she described as "innocent local people," claiming approximately 50 individuals had been detained.
During the rally, Ms. Banerjee advised the public to approach tribunals rather than judicial officers for cases concerning names removed from electoral rolls, particularly those 'under adjudication'. A notable number of attendees indicated they had experienced such deletions. The article also provides key election dates for the region: Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry are scheduled for polls on April 9, 2026. Tamil Nadu, along with the first phase of elections in West Bengal, will vote on April 23, 2026, followed by West Bengal's second phase on April 29, 2026. Vote counting for all these elections is set for May 4, 2026.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/assembly-elections-tamil-nadu-west-bengal-assam-kerala-puducherry-polls-live-updates-april-4-2026/article70822272.ece
