At least four people died and 15 others have been injured after an explosion at a power plant in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, police said, reported the PTI. Several workers are also feared trapped at the site as rescue operations continue. The incident took place at a private power facility in Sakti district, triggering emergency response efforts from local authorities. According to preliminary reports, the blast occurred in a boiler tube at the Vedanta Limited power plant located in Singhitarai village during the afternoon, the news agency reported. Police officials said the cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Casualties and injuries According to the PTI, Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur confirmed that four workers were killed in the explosion, while 15 others sustained injuries. The injured workers have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, where some are reported to be in critical condition. Rescue operations underway Following the incident, police and district administration teams rushed to the site and launched rescue operations. Officials were continuing efforts to locate and evacuate workers who may still be trapped inside the damaged structure. Emergency teams were working amid concerns about further risks at the plant, the officials said. Further details are awaited. Explosion at Pithampur plant in Bhopal Meanwhile, in an another incident, panic gripped the Pithampur industrial area in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district on Tuesday after three powerful explosions occurred at a waste management plant, sending shockwaves through nearby villages and triggering concern among residents, officials said, the IANS reported. The blasts occurred at the facility of Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, a plant that had earlier drawn national attention for incinerating toxic waste from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The sound of the explosions was heard up to a distance of nearly one kilometre, while residents in surrounding villages reported tremors, according to the IANS. Police teams and district administration officials rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the incident. Officials said that a team of police personnel and technical experts continues to investigate the incident inside the premises. Pithampur City Superintendent of Police, Ravi Soner, told media persons that the situation is under control and that a detailed investigation is underway. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
14 April,2026 05:59 PM IST | Sakti (Chhattisgarh) | mid-day online correspondentA superintendent of a government-run remand home in Maharashtra’s Beed district was allegedly caught taking a Rs 30,000 bribe from a private security guard to facilitate official work, the ACB said on Tuesday. The ACB’s Jalna unit caught Kapil Bhimrao Kamble (43), a junior security officer and superintendent of the remand home, while accepting the bribe in the Palwan Chowk area on Monday evening, an official said, the PTI reported. The action was taken based on a complaint filed by a security guard, who alleged that after joining duty at the remand home, the accused demanded Rs 45,000 to facilitate official work, including forwarding attendance reports to the company and assisting in the issuance of his employment order. The accused official has been taken into custody, and a case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the official added. Thane medical officer arrested for taking Rs 2,000 bribe for gun licence certificate A medical officer from Thane district was arrested last week for allegedly accepting a Rs 2,000 bribe to issue a medical certificate needed for renewing a gun licence, news agency PTI reported. The accused has been identified as Dr Anil Patil, who was posted at Murbad Rural Hospital, according to the Thane unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). A man had approached the hospital seeking a medical certificate required for the renewal of his father’s revolver licence. “An ambulance driver, Mahendra Hindurao, allegedly demanded Rs 3,000 on behalf of the medical officer for issuing the certificate. The amount was later negotiated down to Rs 2,000,” said Inspector Rupali Pol of the ACB. Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB, following which a trap was laid on the hospital premises a day before the arrest. “Our team caught the medical officer red-handed while accepting the bribe amount. The ambulance driver is currently absconding, and a search is underway to trace him,” Pol said. The ACB launched an investigation to ascertain whether more persons are involved and to verify if similar illegal demands were made to other applicants. Patil has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 05:43 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp political offensive in poll-bound West Bengal, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of undermining the Constitution, while also criticising the ruling All India Trinamool Congress over unemployment and governance issues in the state, reported news agency PTI. Addressing rallies in Raiganj and Malda, Gandhi combined attacks on both the Centre and the state government, positioning Congress as an alternative capable of challenging the BJP at the national level. Accuses BJP, RSS of weakening constitutional values Gandhi alleged that the BJP and RSS were eroding the Constitution through what he described as “hate-driven politics.” He further accused the two organisations of manipulating electoral processes, claiming they were involved in “vote theft,” reported PTI. He also criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling it unconstitutional and alleging that such exercises were used to influence voter lists in favour of the ruling party. Targets Mamata Banerjee government over unemployment Turning his focus to the state government led by Mamata Banerjee, Gandhi accused it of failing to deliver on employment promises. He claimed that while the government had assured jobs to five lakh people, around 84 lakh youths had applied for unemployment allowance, indicating a significant gap between promises and delivery. He further alleged that industries in the state had shut down, contributing to rising joblessness, reported PTI. Congress positions itself as BJP’s primary challenger Gandhi asserted that the Congress remains the only party capable of taking on the BJP nationwide, suggesting that regional parties like the TMC lack the reach to counter the saffron party at the national level, reported PTI. He also promised that if Congress comes to power, names of individuals allegedly removed from electoral rolls during the revision process would be restored. Allegations of corruption and governance failures The Congress leader accused the TMC government of corruption, referring to past financial scandals and alleging that syndicates linked to ruling party members were benefiting from irregularities, reported PTI. He also charged the state administration with fostering a culture of violence and failing to maintain transparency, while claiming that central funds due to West Bengal had not been fully released by the NDA government, reported PTI. Criticism of Centre over trade and economic policies Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over economic and foreign policy decisions, particularly in relation to a proposed trade agreement with the United States, reported PTI. He claimed that such a deal could adversely impact small and medium enterprises in India, leading to job losses and weakening domestic industries. Gandhi further alleged that India’s agriculture and energy sectors were being compromised due to external pressures, reported PTI. Additionally, he raised concerns about data security, alleging that sensitive national data was being shared in a manner that could affect national security. Political battle intensifies ahead of elections With elections approaching in West Bengal, Gandhi’s remarks signal an intensifying political contest involving the Congress, BJP, and TMC. His dual criticism of both the Centre and the state government reflects the party’s strategy to expand its influence in the region. The rallies in Raiganj and Malda—areas where Congress has historically maintained a presence—highlight the party’s efforts to regain political ground and mobilise voters ahead of the polls. (With inputs from PTI)
14 April,2026 05:09 PM IST | Raiganj/Malda | mid-day online correspondentBihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is set to be the state's first CM of the Bharatiya Janata Party after he was elected the BJP legislature party leader on Tuesday. The BJP, the single largest party in the 243-strong assembly with 89 MLAs, elected Choudhary as its legislature party leader soon after Nitish Kumar, who heads the JD(U) and became a Rajya Sabha MP last week, submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain as the chief minister. Chouhan, whom the BJP parliamentary board named central observer for the legislature party leader's election, told reporters, "Samrat Chaudhary was unanimously elected as the BJP's legislature party leader." Choudhary, BJP MLA from Tarapur, will be the next CM of Bihar after his election as the NDA legislature party. BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha, in a post on X, congratulated Samrat Choudhary, who is Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, for his "new responsibility". In a long post after tendering his resignation, Nitish Kumar listed the works done under his rule also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The post on X, in Hindi, read "You know that on 24 November 2005, the NDA government was formed in the state for the first time. Since then, the rule of law has prevailed in the state, and we have been continuously engaged in development work. The government has worked for the development of all sections of society from the very beginning -whether Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward classes, extremely backward classes, Dalits, or Mahadalits--work has been done for everyone. Work has been done in every sector, whether education, health, roads, electricity, or agriculture. A lot of work has also been done for women and youth." He said the NDA government has done a lot of work for the people of Bihar. "We have continuously served the people of Bihar. The new government will have my full cooperation and guidance. Even ahead, a lot of very good work will be done, and Bihar will advance a great deal. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone and offer my best wishes," he added. Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar CM Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday said he has submitted his resignation from the post to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain. Kumar, the longest-serving CM of Bihar, made this announcement on X after he met the governor at Lok Bhavan in Patna. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, JD(U)'s national working president Sanjay Jha, and state minister Vijay Choudhary, Kumar reached Lok Bhavan and submitted his resignation. "I have done a lot of work for the people of Bihar. Recently, I decided to leave the post of chief minister and therefore, after today's cabinet meeting, I met the governor and submitted my resignation to him," Kumar said. The 75-year-old JD(U) chief became a Rajya Sabha MP last week. "Now the new government will look after the work in Bihar. The new government will have my full cooperation and guidance," Kumar wrote on the social media post.
14 April,2026 04:59 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondentIn a ‘cash for darshan’ scam at Maharashtra’s famous Trimbakeshwar temple, a trustee of the Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust was arrested on Tuesday by Nashik Rural police in connection with an alleged VIP entry racket involving devotees. The arrested trustee has been identified as Purushottam Kadlag. Police said the arrest was made at around 1 am as part of an evidence-based investigation. So far, two persons have been arrested in the case, while others are under the scanner. Superintendent of Police (Nashik Rural) Balasaheb Patil said, “We have arrested the trustee. It is an evidence-based action. Some more names have come to the fore and after verification, they will also be arrested.” The scam came to light after two devotees from Nashik alleged they were cheated at the temple on April 11. The devotees already had official Rs 200 darshan passes but were allegedly approached by agents who offered a “VIP darshan” within 10 minutes in exchange for an additional Rs 3,000 per person. No receipt was issued for the extra payment. Following the complaint, police registered a case against Gotiram Manaji Peher (41) and Abhishek Kadlag, who is the nephew of the arrested trustee. Peher has already been arrested, while Abhishek remains absconding. Police said further investigation revealed the possible involvement of the trustee after interrogation of an associate. Officials added that agents operating around the temple premises targeted devotees seeking quicker darshan due to long queues. “They used to collect money from devotees promising VIP darshan without receipts and also facilitated group bookings to earn money daily,” police said. Investigators say accused exploited rush at Trimbakeshwar temple Investigators said the racket exploited the heavy rush of devotees, many of whom travel long distances and prefer faster access due to time constraints. The accused allegedly bypassed official systems by offering unauthorised entry routes in exchange for cash. Trimbakeshwar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts lakhs of devotees throughout the year, especially during Shravan and major religious occasions. Officials said the Rs 200 darshan pass is the only authorised quick-entry facility. Police said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely. The case has raised concerns over alleged internal involvement and lapses in temple management systems. Authorities have urged devotees to use only official channels for darshan and report any suspicious activity involving unauthorised agents. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 04:48 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentA senior serving Indian Army officer and his son were allegedly attacked in the Vasant Enclave area of Delhi following which the police have arrested two suspects in connection with the crime, officials said, reported the IANS. The officials said that the police have also seized the Mercedes car believed to have been used during the incident. One of the accused has been identified as Satender, also known as Sonu, a director at a private aviation company involved in charter and cargo flight services, according to the IANS. The second accused, Sanjay Sharma, is reported to run a local eatery. Both individuals are currently being questioned by the police as part of the ongoing investigation, the news agency reported. The attack The incident reportedly took place on Saturday night when the Army officer, a Brigadier, stepped out for a walk with his son after dinner. Outside their residence, they encountered two men sitting in a parked car and allegedly consuming alcohol. When the officer objected, an argument followed. The situation escalated when additional individuals were called to the scene, who then allegedly assaulted the officer and his son, the news agency reported. LG orders strict action Lt Governor T S Sandhu expressed serious concern over the incident and said he had spoken directly with the officer to check on his well-being. "Deeply concerned by the incident in Vasant Enclave involving the assault on a serving Brigadier of the Indian Army, his wife and son, a 23-year-old IIT Delhi graduate." He said that he has personally spoken with the Brigadier to enquire about the incident and their well-being. "I also spoke with the Police Commissioner and the DCP, directing them to ensure a thorough and swift investigation, leading to immediate and appropriate action against those responsible," the L-G added. He has instructed the police to conduct a thorough and swift investigation and ensure strict action against those responsible. Security has been increased for the officer and his family, the news agency reported. Police begins probe An FIR has been registered, and authorities are also examining alleged lapses in the initial police response. The officer’s family has claimed that there was a delay in registering the complaint and that action was only taken after intervention by Army authorities. (with IANS inputs)
14 April,2026 04:37 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentVeteran leader Nitish Kumar on Tuesday stepped down as the Chief Minister of Bihar, bringing an end to his long tenure at the helm of the state’s politics. The announcement was made shortly after he met Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and formally submitted his resignation at the Raj Bhavan. Kumar, who is the longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar, shared the development through a post on social media following a cabinet meeting earlier in the day. Resignation follows cabinet meeting and meeting with Governor The 75-year-old leader arrived at the Governor’s residence accompanied by senior leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, JD(U) national working president Sanjay Jha, and state minister Vijay Choudhary. Speaking after submitting his resignation, Kumar said he had taken the decision voluntarily after serving the people of Bihar for several years. He added that a new government would now take charge of the state’s administration, and he would extend full support and guidance to the incoming leadership. Highlights long tenure and development initiatives Reflecting on his time in office, Kumar pointed to the work carried out under his leadership since the formation of the NDA government in Bihar in November 2005. He said the state witnessed improvements in governance, infrastructure, and public services during this period. Kumar highlighted efforts across sectors such as education, healthcare, road development, electricity, and agriculture. He also emphasised initiatives aimed at the welfare of women, youth, and marginalised communities, stating that development efforts were inclusive and targeted all sections of society. Focus on future roadmap and ‘7 Nishchay-3’ plan The outgoing Chief Minister also referred to the government’s future development roadmap under the “7 Nishchay-3” programme, designed for the 2025–2030 period. He expressed confidence that the initiative would accelerate Bihar’s progress and strengthen its position among India’s leading states. Kumar acknowledged the support of the central government and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continued cooperation in Bihar’s development. Political transition underway in Bihar With Kumar’s resignation, attention has now shifted to the formation of a new government in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is the single largest party in the 243-member Bihar Assembly with 89 MLAs, is expected to play a key role in the leadership transition. The NDA alliance in Bihar commands a strong majority, with support from JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Leaders such as Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi are part of the alliance. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been appointed as the central observer for the election of the BJP legislature party leader and is expected to oversee the process in Patna. End of an era in Bihar politics Kumar’s resignation marks a significant moment in Bihar’s political landscape, given his long-standing influence and multiple terms as Chief Minister. As the state prepares for a leadership transition, political observers will be closely watching the next steps in government formation and the direction of governance in the coming years.
14 April,2026 04:23 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondentGautam Buddha Nagar Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) on Tuesday said that over 350 people have been arrested in connection with the recent workers' protests. Senior police officers also claimed that the accused, who have been arrested, were "misusing" social media platforms to spread rumours and misinformation, news agency ANI reported. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, ACP Rajeev Narain Mishra further said that a section of people had been actively circulating false information through newly created digital networks, including WhatsApp bots and social media platforms, and a case was filed against them. "We arrested over 350 people. Some were misusing social media, spreading rumours, and providing false information. Some were spreading misleading information through newly created WhatsApp bots and Twitter. Considering the sensitivity of this, a case has been filed against them. Today, workers are returning to work in many companies. In some places, some workers came and demanded that their demands be met. We have discussed with them patiently and explained it to them," said Mishra. He also informed that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has formed a high-level committee which had visited the spot on Monday to assess the situation. "The Chief Minister has formed a high-level committee. That committee made a physical visit yesterday, and many decisions have been made in the interest of the workers...We have CCTV footage and digital evidence, and those who have been caught were involved in some kind of disturbance, engaging in antisocial activities, blocking national highways, and state highways..." said Mishra. Workers’ protests in Noida enters second day The protests continued on Tuesday in the Hosiery Complex in Phase-2 in Noida to demand an increase in minimum wages. However, despite the state government announcing a wage hike, the stir continues. On Monday, the protests turned violent after an altercation with the police. The protesters pelted stones and torched vehicles and were set on fire after an altercation with police. Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi voiced his support for the protesting workers and described their agitation over minimum wage demands as a reflection of wider economic distress faced by labourers. कल नोएडा की सड़कों पर जो हुआ, वो इस देश के श्रमिकों की आख़िरी चीख़ थी - जिसकी हर आवाज़ को अनसुना किया गया, जो मांगते-मांगते थक गया।नोएडा में काम करने वाले एक मज़दूर की ₹12,000 महीने की तनख्वाह,₹4,000-7,000 किराया। जब तक ₹300 की सालाना बढ़ोतरी मिलती है, मकान मालिक ₹500… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 14, 2026 In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi wrote, "What happened yesterday on the roads of Noida was the final cry of this country's workers – one whose every voice was ignored, who grew weary from endless pleading. A worker in Noida earns a monthly salary of Rs 12,000; rent costs Rs 4,000-7,000. By the time he gets a Rs 300 annual raise, the landlord hikes the rent by Rs 500 a year." (With inputs from ANI)
14 April,2026 03:49 PM IST | Noida | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary. Modi also hailed the abrogation of Article 370 and the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand after inaugurating the Delhi-Dehradun corridor. Earlier today, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun. While addressing the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi also apologised to the gathering for being late to the occasion. The Prime Minister said, 'Today is also the birth anniversary of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar. I pay my heartfelt tributes to Babasaheb. The policies and decisions taken by our government over the past decade have worked towards restoring the dignity of the Constitution,” as per ANI. “After the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, the Constitution of India is now fully applicable across the entire nation. Even Maoist-affected districts are now working constitutionally. Our Constitution expects us to implement the Uniform Civil Code. Uttarakhand has taken this forward and shown a way to the nation," PM Modi further added. Hailing Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy, PM Modi also asserted, "Babasaheb spent his life giving social justice to the deprived and exploited, and our government is also engaged in delivering social justice. That is why Babasaheb strongly advocated for modern infrastructure and industrialisation," as per ANI. Modi hails the abrogation of Article 370 Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019, withdrawing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir with a constitutional amendment. While Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code, fulfilling the BJP's long-standing promise. Acknowledging the delay in the event, Modi said, "I apologise that I was late by more than an hour. I left on time, but the 12-kilometre-long roadshow was so enthusiastic that it was difficult to move the car quickly. The huge crowd in the 12-kilometre-long stretch, even under this heat, shows the love and blessings. I will take a new inspiration from Uttarakhand." Talking about the Delhi-Dehradun highway, the Prime Minister further added that the Economic Corridor will accelerate Uttarakhand's progress while strengthening connectivity. PM Modi extends greetings for Baisakhi Extending greetings for festivities, "The new year has arrived. I extend greetings for Baisakhi, Puthandu and Bohag Bihu. The Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatras will also begin in a few days. I got an opportunity to offer prayers to Maa Daat Kali. Maa Daat Kali's blessings have been instrumental in completing the Delhi-Dehradun Corridor." Modi also added, "After offering prayers at Baba Kedar, I had expressed that the third decade of this century would belong to Uttarakhand. I am very happy that through the double-engine government's policies, the state is moving forward on the path of development and strengthening connectivity. This project will further accelerate Uttarakhand's progress and give new momentum to its development," as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
14 April,2026 03:44 PM IST | Dehradun | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the West Bengal assembly elections 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday held a roadshow in Kaliyaganj, North Dinajpur. Earlier on Tuesday, the Union Home Minister also took a swipe at the Trinamool Congress government over infiltration. He further said that the BJP government in West Bengal will hand over the required land to complete fencing with Bangladesh, as per ANI. Amit Shah slams TMC ahead of assembly polls Addressing rallies in the poll-bound state, Shah also warned "goons of TMC not to step out of their homes" during voting. The Union Home Minister said, "I am warning all the goons of TMC not to step out of their homes; otherwise, after 5 May, you're done for," as per ANI. He further accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of trying to intimidate the majority community in the state. He also asked, "I was listening to a speech by Didi (West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee). She was attempting to intimidate the majority community of this region. She claimed that if the TMC ceases to exist, the very existence of the majority community would be at stake. We have been living here for centuries. Who are you to try to intimidate us? Riots broke out in Murshidabad under your rule. Where were you then?" as per ANI. "Attacks were carried out during Ram Navami under your rule. Where were you then? Restrictions were imposed on Saraswati Puja under your rule. Where were you then? There is no need to fear Didi. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party will come to power," he further added. Earlier on Monday, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari campaigned in Howrah as part of the party's preparations for the elections. Speaking to the media on Monday, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari also lauded the Election Commission of India and said that it is among the most efficient electoral bodies in the world. "The Election Commission of India is the most well-organised election commission in the world. Despite having a population of 1.4 billion, instances of re-polling are extremely rare. Many countries across the globe are adopting the methods of the Election Commission of India. We must place our trust in the Election Commission. The TMC relies entirely on bogus votes," he added. Polling will be held in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, and the results of the assembly polls will be announced on May 4. (With inputs from ANI)
14 April,2026 03:02 PM IST | North Dinajpur | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP on Tuesday released its manifesto for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, promising Rs 2,000 monthly aid and free LPG cylinders apart from other schemes, reported the ANI. The BJP has promised a range of welfare schemes, infrastructure plans and cultural commitments. The party is contesting 27 seats in alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Cash assistance and free benefits A key promise in the manifesto is financial support for households. The BJP has pledged Rs 2,000 per month for women heads of households and a one-time payment of Rs 10,000 to every household. The party also promised three free LPG cylinders each year, to be distributed during major festivals including Pongal, Tamil Puthandu and Deepavali, according to the ANI. Focus on culture, religious traditions Highlighting its cultural agenda, the BJP said it would declare Thaipoosam as a state festival in honour of Lord Murugan. The party also promised to protect and continue the tradition of lighting the Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram Hill, the news agency reported. This issue became controversial after a court order allowed the ceremonial lamp to be lit at the hilltop, leading to a dispute between the BJP and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government. Rail and Infrastructure Plans The manifesto includes major transport proposals aimed at improving connectivity across the state. These include- - High-speed rail corridors linking Chennai with Bengaluru and Hyderabad - A regional rapid transit system between Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Salem - Semi-urban rail projects such as Villupuram-Chennai - New sleeper versions of Vande Bharat Express connecting Chennai to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata Women’s safety and economic support The BJP has outlined several steps to address crimes against women, including faster reporting through zero-FIR systems, special fast-track courts for serious offences, CCTV coverage in buses, schools and universities and better use of the Nirbhaya Fund. According to the ANI, the party also promised economic support for women-led groups, offering interest-free loans of up to Rs 50 lakh and reserving 20% of government procurement for such enterprises. BJP state president Nainar Nagendran criticised the ruling DMK, accusing it of poor governance and failing to deliver on its promises. He expressed confidence that the NDA alliance would form the next government, the news agency reported. Meanwhile, the AIADMK has also announced similar welfare measures, including monthly assistance for women, free LPG cylinders and expanded benefits for ration card holders. (with ANI inputs)
14 April,2026 02:56 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
