He claimed that confidential information about counting officials leaked via WhatsApp just hours before vote counting began.

Adhikari shared WhatsApp chats and spreadsheets as evidence of these leaks. He accused officials of disclosing their election duty details to departmental associations.

The leaked information reportedly included officials’ designations and duty locations. This raises serious concerns about the security and transparency of the electoral process.

Adhikari called for immediate intervention from the Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer. He demanded a thorough investigation into the organizations collecting this sensitive information.

He stated, “It has come to my notice that several Officers assigned for Counting Day duties are reportedly disclosing their specific duty details, locations, and designations to their respective departmental organizations and associations.”

Adhikari emphasized that this incident is extremely serious and urged for swift action. He warned that ensuring the integrity of the counting process is crucial before declaring election results.

The allegations surfaced just hours before results were set to be announced, adding urgency to his claims. Observers are now closely watching how the Election Commission will respond to these serious accusations.

The post Suvendu Adhikari’s Data Leak Allegations Threaten Election Integrity appeared first on berightnews.

On early Tuesday, Raut, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), voiced his concerns during a press briefing. He stated that people are increasingly worried about their votes being tampered with since Modi, Shah, and the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, are in power.

Raut criticized Gyanesh Kumar, suggesting he shows bias towards the BJP. He described this situation as dangerous for democracy. “Distrust in democracy is dangerous,” he said.

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal’s Chief Minister, visited an EVM strong room before election results were announced. This visit raised eyebrows among political observers.

Banerjee has urged vigilance with her slogan “Jagate Raho”—a call echoed by Raut. He compared her slogan to one used by Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh.

Raut emphasized that large forces’ presence during elections is concerning. Political activity has intensified ahead of the assembly election results.

As of midday Tuesday, no official response has come from the Election Commission regarding Raut’s allegations. Observers are closely monitoring developments in this politically charged atmosphere.

The post Sanjay Raut Raises Alarms Over West Bengal Elections appeared first on berightnews.

As of early Tuesday, April 9, 2026, the ban went into effect at 7:00 AM. It will remain active until voting concludes at 6:30 PM on April 29, 2026. Exit polls can only be published after a mandatory waiting period of 30 minutes following the final phase of voting.

Polling is being conducted in multiple phases. Key voting days include April 23 and April 29. The first phase saw a remarkable voter turnout of 91.91%. Districts such as Dakshin Dinajpur and Cooch Behar reported even higher rates—94.85% and 94.54%, respectively.

The Election Commission has made it clear—violators of this exit poll ban could face up to two years of imprisonment or fines under election laws. This measure reinforces their commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.

Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), are vying for a fourth consecutive term in power. The stakes are high, especially with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) challenging TMC’s dominance in the region.

Officials have not confirmed how this ban will impact media coverage or public perception during the election period. However, it is clear that the Election Commission is taking these measures seriously.

This strict regulation reflects broader efforts to manage electoral processes effectively. As citizens head to the polls, concerns about misinformation and premature projections are paramount.

As voting continues, all eyes will be on West Bengal—where the outcome could reshape political dynamics in India for years to come.

The post Exit Poll West Bengal 2026: Election Commission Bans Polls Amid High Voter Turnout appeared first on berightnews.

“Councillor Beleghata with some hooligans gheraoed the office of CEO and shouted slogans at the dead of night,” stated the Election Commission regarding the ongoing unrest in West Bengal.

The protest, organized by supporters of the SUC, took place outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office on Strand Road in Kolkata, leading to significant disruptions in the area. Police set up barricades to prevent the demonstrators from entering the office, which resulted in Strand Road being blocked and causing traffic jams.

Many commuters found themselves stranded for over an hour due to the protest, highlighting the impact of the unrest on daily life in the city. The situation escalated as the police initiated a case following the protest, and Section 163 was imposed in the Strand Road area to manage the crowd.

In response to the protest, the Election Commission condemned the actions of the SUC supporters, labeling them as anti-social activities. “Such anti-social activities will not be tolerated and law will take its own course,” the Commission emphasized, indicating a firm stance against the unrest.

The protest was part of a scheduled program announced by the SUC, which has been increasingly vocal in its opposition to the current political climate in West Bengal. The CEO office shared a video of the incident on social media, further amplifying the situation.

As the situation develops, authorities are expected to take further action to restore order in the area. The Election Commission’s strong condemnation suggests that legal repercussions may follow for those involved in the protest.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional measures that may be implemented in response to the unrest. The public is urged to stay informed as the situation unfolds.

The post ওয়েস্ট বেঙ্গল: West Bengal Protest Disrupts Traffic as Election Commission Responds appeared first on berightnews.

Gold prices have experienced a notable decline on April 3, 2026, following a sharp rally that had seen international spot gold soar to record highs above $4,800 earlier in the week. Currently, gold is trading at approximately $4,650.20 per ounce, marking a drop of about 2.80%.

In India, domestic gold rates have also fallen, with a decrease of approximately ₹3,980 per 10 grams. The price for 24K gold now averages ₹1.48 lakh per 10 grams, reflecting the broader trend in the global market.

Specifically, the prices are as follows: 24K Gold (99.9%) is priced at ₹14,897 per gram, while 22K Gold (91.6%) stands at ₹13,655 per gram. Additionally, 18K Gold is priced at ₹11,173 per gram.

The key driver behind this pullback is the recent sharp rally, which has now corrected, potentially attracting dip buyers looking for investment opportunities. Analysts note that there is support at $4,550 per ounce, with resistance still at the previous high of $4,800.

A weaker dollar could provide further support for higher gold prices in the near future. However, the sharp correction raises questions about market stability and investor sentiment.

In India, the 3% GST is applicable on the gold value, and making charges for jewellery typically range from 5% to 35%.

As the market adjusts, details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of this price fluctuation. The Election Commission of India, responsible for conducting free and fair elections, continues to monitor economic conditions that may influence voter sentiment.

Investors and consumers alike will be watching closely for further developments in the gold market as it reacts to global economic indicators and domestic demand.

The post 3 april: Gold Prices Decline on April 3, 2026 appeared first on berightnews.

The recent release of the supplementary voter list in West Bengal has stirred significant interest among the electorate. Previously, expectations were high for a timely release of this list, which is crucial for ensuring that eligible voters are accounted for in the upcoming elections. However, the process faced numerous delays, leading to uncertainty among voters.

On Monday, the first supplementary voter list was finally uploaded at around 11:55 pm, a decisive moment for many in the state. This list includes names of voters whose eligibility has been adjudicated, following a rigorous judicial review process. Approximately 29 lakh cases have been adjudicated by 705 judicial officers, with over 60 lakh names initially placed under review. The final electoral roll published on February 28 recorded a total of 7.04 crore electors, highlighting the scale of the electoral process in West Bengal.

The implications of this release are profound. Voters can now check their eligibility online at the Election Commission and Chief Electoral Officer websites, a significant step towards transparency. Additionally, hard copies of the list will be available with District Election Officers (DEOs), District Magistrates (DMs), Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), and Block Development Officers (BDOs), ensuring accessibility for all. The Election Commission has also constituted 19 appellate tribunals to hear appeals regarding the supplementary list, further emphasizing the importance of this process.

However, the release has not come without its challenges. The highest number of pending cases was reported in Murshidabad, with 11 lakh cases still unresolved, while Malda and South 24 Parganas reported 8.28 lakh and 5.22 lakh pending cases, respectively. This backlog raises concerns about the efficiency of the adjudication process and the potential impact on voter participation.

Expert voices, such as Manoj Agarwal, have expressed uncertainty regarding the exact number of names approved or rejected at this moment. “I don’t know how many names have been approved or rejected at this moment,” Agarwal stated, reflecting the confusion surrounding the list. Furthermore, he noted, “We don’t know how many names have been deleted or how many names will be published,” indicating that many voters remain in the dark about their status.

The role of law enforcement has also been highlighted, with Agarwal noting, “The role of police is good. They have taken prompt action in places where trouble erupted.” This suggests that while the process is underway, maintaining order during this critical time is essential. However, he also pointed out that “law and order is a state subject,” indicating the complexities involved in managing the situation.

Looking ahead, the second supplementary list is expected to be released on Friday, which may further clarify the status of pending cases. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of names included or excluded from the supplementary list, leaving many voters anxious about their eligibility. The timeline for the formation and functioning of the appellate tribunals also remains unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding this electoral process.

The post How to Check Supplementary List of SIR in West Bengal appeared first on berightnews.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal raises a critical question: How will the significant changes to the voter list impact the upcoming elections? The answer is clear: the SIR process has already led to the deletion of over 61 lakh names from the electoral rolls, which could dramatically alter the political landscape.

Today, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to publish the first supplementary voter list under the SIR process. This comes after the settlement of 27 lakh pending voter records, with approximately 2 lakh names being processed daily. The urgency of this revision is underscored by the establishment of 19 appeal tribunals across 23 districts, staffed by former judges of the High Court, to handle disputes arising from the SIR.

As the SIR process unfolds, more than 60 lakh citizens’ names remain under adjudication, indicating that the final voter list is still in flux. Notably, 47,000 names were deleted from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency alone, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee won by a margin of 58,832 votes in 2021. This constituency is particularly significant, as it could be a bellwether for the Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) performance in the upcoming elections.

Mamata Banerjee has expressed confidence in her electoral prospects, famously stating, “I will win from Bhabanipur even if by only one vote.” However, the TMC faces challenges as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused them of attempting to retain names of illegal immigrants and even deceased individuals on the voter rolls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the TMC’s stance, claiming, “The Trinamool does not want the voter list to be rectified in order to retain the names of the illegal immigrants… they even want to retain the names of the dead.”

The implications of the SIR process are profound, as it not only affects voter representation but also the overall integrity of the electoral system in West Bengal. With the deletion of 61.7 lakh names, the political dynamics are shifting, and both the TMC and BJP are strategizing their campaigns accordingly.

As the ECI prepares to release the supplementary list, the focus will be on how these changes will influence voter turnout and party strategies. The TMC, currently ahead of the BJP in both vote percentage and number of seats, must navigate the complexities introduced by the SIR process while maintaining its voter base.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final outcomes of the ongoing adjudications, and the political ramifications of these deletions will likely unfold in the coming weeks. The SIR process has set the stage for a contentious electoral battle, with both major parties gearing up for a fight over the newly revised voter rolls.

The post Sir: Special Intensive Revision () of Electoral Rolls in West Bengal appeared first on berightnews.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is poised to publish the first supplementary voter list under the SIR process in West Bengal, a critical step that affects millions of voters. This development comes as 27 lakh pending voter records have been settled, with approximately 2 lakh names processed daily, showcasing the urgency and scale of the task at hand.

Voters in West Bengal will have the opportunity to appeal online via the ECI Net app or offline at district or sub-divisional offices if they have objections to the list. To facilitate this process, 19 appeal tribunals have been established across 23 districts for voters whose names are excluded from the supplementary list.

In Surat, the voter list for the upcoming municipal elections has been made public at 40 locations, with the complete voters’ list for all 30 wards displayed at the Surat Municipal Corporation headquarters. Voters are advised to submit applications for any corrections or changes at the election and census department at the SMC head office if they identify errors.

The first supplementary voter list was uploaded on the websites of the ECI and West Bengal CEO at around 11:55 PM, marking a significant milestone in the electoral process. As of late afternoon, 29 lakh adjudications have been completed out of the 60 lakh cases placed under judicial review, indicating a high level of activity and scrutiny in the voter registration process.

According to the final electoral roll published on February 28, the total number of voters in West Bengal stands at 7,04,59,284. This figure is a decrease from the earlier draft roll, which included 7,08,16,630 names, with 58,20,899 names deleted during the enumeration phase.

In a related move, the Election Commission has removed 73 Returning Officers (ROs), most of whom are Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), as part of efforts to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

The SIR exercise in Bengal was initially announced on October 27 last year, when the electorate was recorded at 7,66,37,529. This ongoing process reflects the ECI’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral system.

As the situation develops, further updates are expected, particularly regarding the finalization of the supplementary voter list and the outcomes of the appeals made by voters. Details remain unconfirmed.

The post Voter list: Urgent Update on in West Bengal and Surat appeared first on berightnews.

In a significant development for the upcoming elections in West Bengal, CEO Manoj Agarwal has announced that the first supplementary list of disputed voters may be published today. This follows the final electoral roll, which had over sixty lakh names pending in the adjudication list.

As of now, 29 lakh adjudications have been completed out of the 60 lakh cases that are currently under judicial review. The total number of voters in West Bengal stands at 7,04,59,284, according to the final electoral roll published on February 28.

In a move to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the Election Commission has removed 73 Returning Officers (ROs) in West Bengal. This decision underscores the Commission’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections.

Polling in West Bengal is scheduled for April 23 and 29, with vote counting planned for May 4. Notably, elections will be held in two phases, a reduction from the previous seven to eight phases, marking a significant change in the electoral process.

“Elections are being held in two phases in West Bengal after many years,” Agarwal stated, emphasizing the importance of this shift. He further added, “The Election Commission is committed to conducting free and fair elections,” reflecting the administration’s focus on transparency and accountability.

The SIR exercise in Bengal was announced on October 27 last year, aiming to streamline the electoral process. Before this exercise, the electorate stood at 7,66,37,529, but the draft roll saw the deletion of 58,20,899 names.

Observers are keenly watching these developments, as the changes could significantly impact voter turnout and the overall electoral landscape in the state. Officials expect that the upcoming elections will set a new precedent for future electoral processes in West Bengal.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact implications of these changes, but the urgency of the situation is clear as the state prepares for one of its most critical electoral events in recent history.

The post CEO West Bengal Manoj Agarwal Announces Key Election Updates appeared first on berightnews.

Before the recent developments, the expectation surrounding the electoral process in West Bengal was marked by uncertainty and a backlog of pending voter records. The earlier draft roll had included 7,08,16,630 names, but issues with adjudications and processing had left many voters in limbo.

However, a decisive moment arrived with the publication of the first supplementary voter list by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 24, 2026. In a significant turnaround, 27 lakh pending voter records have been settled, with approximately 2 lakh names processed daily. This rapid progress has brought clarity to the electoral landscape.

The impact of this development is profound. A total of 29 lakh adjudications have been completed out of the 60 lakh cases that were under judicial review. This indicates a concerted effort to streamline the voter registration process and ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised.

Manoj Kumar Agarwal, a spokesperson for the ECI, emphasized the importance of this supplementary list, stating, “Voters whose names are excluded from the supplementary list will be able to appeal through these tribunals.” This provision aims to address any grievances and ensure transparency in the electoral process.

As of now, the total number of voters in West Bengal, according to the final electoral roll published on February 28, stands at 7,04,59,284. This is a notable decrease from the earlier draft roll, reflecting the ongoing efforts to maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter registry.

In addition to the changes in the voter list, the ECI has also removed 73 Returning Officers (ROs) as part of its efforts to enforce accountability and integrity in the electoral process. Furthermore, 11 districts have seen new District Magistrates appointed, indicating a broader administrative overhaul.

The supplementary list will be released around 9.30 pm on Monday, and the hard copy will be available at the offices of the district electoral officers (DEOs). Centralized processing of the list is currently ongoing in the office of the apex poll body in Delhi, ensuring that all updates are efficiently managed.

As the model code of conduct is strictly enforced across all assembly constituencies, the political landscape in West Bengal is poised for significant changes leading up to the 2026 elections. The swift resolution of pending voter records and the publication of the supplementary list are crucial steps in this process.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further changes or updates to the electoral process as the situation develops.

The post Supplementary Voter List 2026 Released in West Bengal appeared first on berightnews.