Mamata Banerjee alleged serious irregularities in the Bhabanipur counting process after losing to Suvendu Adhikari by 15,105 votes. In a phone call shared by Kalyan Banerjee, she claimed “goons” entered counting centres, assaulted her, and removed TMC agents with support from officials and security forces. She also alleged EVM mishandling, lack of sealing, and denial of access during crucial final rounds. Calling the result a “stolen verdict” and “unethical dirty game,” Banerjee said evidence has been documented and the outcome will be legally challenged, intensifying the already volatile political confrontation in West Bengal following the high-stakes election. (PC: PTI)

The Cannes Film Festival 2026 will feature a diverse Indian presence, led by Alia Bhatt returning after her debut and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continuing her long-standing association. Tara Sutaria is set for her debut, while Karan Johar, Mouni Roy, and Pooja Batra will also attend. Regional cinema will be strongly represented, with Ammy Virk debuting alongside Roopi Gill, and Marathi and Gujarati industries adding depth through veteran and contemporary talents. The Indian delegation, led by Ashutosh Gowariker, highlights the country’s expanding cinematic footprint globally.

India strongly condemned a drone strike-linked fire at the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone in the United Arab Emirates on May 4, 2026, which injured three Indian nationals. The attack reportedly originated from Iran amid escalating regional tensions. Responding to the incident, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the strike “unacceptable” and called for an immediate halt to hostilities. India emphasised that civilian infrastructure and innocent lives must not be targeted under any circumstances. The incident underscores growing risks to Indian nationals abroad as instability linked to the wider US-Iran conflict continues to spill into critical Gulf infrastructure zones.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the slain RG Kar doctor, described her electoral lead in Panihati as a “verdict for justice against injustice,” dedicating it to oppressed women in Bengal. Overcome with emotion at the counting centre, she said her political entry was unexpected and driven by her daughter’s tragedy. She credited Narendra Modi for choosing her candidacy. As her margin crossed 5,000, she vowed to continue her fight for justice while urging supporters to avoid violence. Calling herself a “protesting mother, not a politician,” Ratna said the mandate strengthens her resolve to seek justice for her daughter and other women. (PC: X)

Donald Trump warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks US vessels escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid a fragile ceasefire. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned the US and UAE against entering a “quagmire,” stressing that no military solution exists for the crisis. He criticised Trump’s “Project Freedom” maritime escort plan as ineffective. Tensions escalated as both sides reportedly exchanged fire, with the UAE also citing attacks. Trump claimed Iranian forces targeted ships, prompting US retaliation against small boats, while Washington continues military buildup, keeping the truce on the brink. (PC: X)

Suvendu Adhikari, after securing a significant victory in Bhabanipur, declared that the defeat of Mamata Banerjee would mark the end of her political career. He termed the win “very important” and said defeating Banerjee was crucial. Adhikari claimed she lost by over 15,000 votes. He further alleged that Muslim voters supported Banerjee openly in certain wards, while voters from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities backed him, leading to his victory. Framing the outcome as a decisive political shift, Adhikari asserted that the result signals Banerjee’s “retirement from politics,” highlighting the broader implications of the Bhabanipur contest in West Bengal’s evolving political landscape.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor acknowledged the electoral performance of the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal and Assam, stating that leaders Narendra Modi and Amit Shah had “done a good job.” He attributed the success to the party’s strong organisational structure, professional campaign management, and effective use of resources, including finances. Tharoor noted that there are lessons other parties can draw from this approach. However, he also emphasised that political messaging should focus on unity rather than division. His remarks stand out as a rare instance of cross-party acknowledgment during a highly polarised and competitive election environment.

Incidents of violence erupted across West Bengal following the declaration of Assembly election results, with multiple offices of the All India Trinamool Congress vandalised. According to police reports, attacks were recorded in areas including Tollygunge, Baruipur, Kamarhati, Baranagar, Baharampur, Howrah and Kasba. In the Bijoygarh, Netajjnagar locality, the election office of TMC leader Aroop Biswas was ransacked, with visuals showing damaged property and scattered hoardings. The unrest reportedly coincided with celebrations by rival groups after the results. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation as concerns rise over post-poll violence, a recurring issue in the state’s politically charged environment during transitions of power.

May 4, 2026 marked a major political shift across India as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured its first-ever government in West Bengal, ending Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year rule. The BJP crossed the majority mark decisively, with Suvendu Adhikari defeating Banerjee in Bhabanipur.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a mandate for “change and governance”, urging a shift away from political violence.   In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to a stunning debut, emerging as the single-largest party and defeating established players including M. K. Stalin.   Kerala saw a comeback by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), which ousted Pinarayi Vijayan’s Left government after a decade.   In Assam, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power with a strong majority, while also holding Puducherry. (PC: X, India Today)

The 2026 Assembly elections saw several “giant killer” results across states, with new or lesser-known leaders defeating senior politicians.   In Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin lost Kolathur to TVK’s VS Babu by nearly 9,000 votes. In Assam, BJP’s Hitendra Nath Goswami defeated Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi in Jorhat.   Kerala also saw key upsets, including IUML’s Parakkal Abdulla winning in Kuttiadi. In West Bengal, BJP made gains in areas like Kalimpong.   These results show a shift where strong leaders faced tough local challenges. Many seats once seen as safe changed hands in close contests. (PC: X)