India News: Modi Targets TMC in Bengal Rally

Political Rhetoric and Electoral Dynamics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered speeches in West Bengal, critiquing the opposition TMC ahead of the second round of state elections. During the event, he emphasized the party’s role in governance, stating, “The final phase will make sure the BJP comes to power.”

“In the first phase of voting, West Bengal has recorded a remarkable voter turnout,” Modi remarked, adding that “TMC’s arrogance is shattered with the first phase.”

The state witnessed a surge in voter participation in the initial phase, despite debates over the mass deletion of names from the electoral register. Modi also accused the TMC of enabling “goons and criminals” to influence state affairs.

Regional Unrest and Protests

Meanwhile, tensions flared in Manipur as thousands of Meitei protesters turned their demonstrations into confrontations with security forces. The unrest followed weeks of continuous rallies demanding justice for two minors killed in a bomb blast in Bishnupur district.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) organized a massive rally in Imphal, presenting a memorandum to the state government. Protesters were blocked from advancing toward Chief Minister Y Khemchand’s residence, leading to clashes.

Manipur has experienced ethnic strife for nearly three years between its predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and mainly Christian Kuki community, resulting in over 250 casualties. On Friday, gunfire between Naga and Kuki groups killed three and injured five.

Aviation Incident and Follower Shift

A Swiss Air flight from Delhi to Zurich had to abort takeoff early Sunday due to an engine malfunction, injuring five individuals onboard. The airline reported the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. local time on April 26, prompting an emergency evacuation.

The Airbus A330, carrying 228 passengers, four infants, and 13 crew members, used slides to evacuate all occupants to the runway of Indira Gandhi International Airport. The injured included four passengers and one crew member, with the latter sustaining a sprained ankle.

Swiss International stated it has assigned an investigative team to examine the incident, while the Economic Times noted the engine caught fire during the abort.

Political Shift and Social Media Impact

Ex-AAP leader Raghav Chadha saw a significant decline in Instagram followers after joining the BJP. His follower count dropped from 14.6 million to 12.7 million, reflecting a shift in public perception.

Analysts suggest the change in allegiance has affected Chadha’s appeal among younger voters, who previously viewed him as a representative of the youth in parliament. His reduced following is seen as an indicator of his waning influence in this demographic.