Assembly Elections 2026: I-T Raids TMC MLA Debasish Kumar's Properties in Kolkata
The 2026 Assembly Elections have entered a critical phase, with the first round of polling completed on April 9 and campaigning intensifying ahead of the remaining voting dates on April 23 and April 29. Vote counting for all states and Union Territories involved in this extensive electoral exercise is scheduled for May 4. The elections cover five key regions: Assam with 126 seats, Kerala with 140 seats, Puducherry with 30 seats, West Bengal with 294 seats, and Tamil Nadu with its full assembly.
Income Tax Searches at TMC MLA's Premises
In a significant development, the Income Tax Department on Friday conducted simultaneous searches at two properties linked to Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar in Kolkata. Kumar, who is seeking re-election from the Rashbehari seat in south Kolkata, faced raids at his residence on Manoharpukur Road and his election office starting around 6 am. Officials stated that the reason behind the searches was not immediately disclosed, but Kumar had recently been summoned multiple times by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a land fraud case.
He appeared before the ED on April 1, 3, and 9 at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake, where the agency aimed to determine if Kumar had any financial transactions with businessman Amit Gangopadhyay, whose property was also recently searched. Polling in the Rashbehari constituency is set for the second phase on April 29, with counting on May 4. The BJP has fielded columnist Swapan Dasgupta as its candidate in this seat.
The searches triggered tension outside Kumar's residence, with TMC workers raising slogans against the BJP-led central government. Central forces personnel were deployed to manage the situation, highlighting the heightened political atmosphere in West Bengal.
Political Dynamics Across States
The BJP-led NDA is defending its government in Assam while seeking gains in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. Conversely, the Congress-led INDIA bloc, along with regional parties, is attempting to challenge the ruling alliance through state-specific strategies. In West Bengal, the BJP has centered its campaign on issues like corruption, women's safety, and governance, while the Trinamool Congress under Mamata Banerjee aims for a fourth consecutive term.
In Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK-led NDA is projecting a strong challenge to the ruling DMK alliance, with BJP leader K. Annamalai backing Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the chief ministerial contender. Kerala remains a closely watched bipolar contest between the ruling LDF and the Congress-led UDF. Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan has sought detailed polling and postal ballot data from the Election Commission after the first phase, emphasizing transparency concerns.
Additional Election Updates
Trinamool MLA Abdur Razzak Quits Party: Seven days before the first phase of Assembly polls, senior Trinamool Congress MLA Abdur Razzak Mandal from Jalangi constituency in Murshidabad district quit the party. He alleged internal manoeuvring and corruption claims by party leadership, stating he would vote as an ordinary voter but not join another party before the elections.
Tamil Nadu Campaign Intensifies: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin campaigned in Bodinayakanur, asserting that former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam's entry into the DMK-led alliance would significantly setback the AIADMK. He urged voters to ensure Panneerselvam's victory to counter both Edappadi Palaniswami and the central government.
Seizures Surge in Tamil Nadu: The value of cash, valuables, and contraband seized during the ongoing election period in Tamil Nadu has nearly doubled compared to 2021, reaching around Rs 800 crore. This reflects intensified enforcement measures by flying squads and static surveillance teams to curb illegal inducements.
Assam BJP Delegation in West Bengal: A 50-member delegation from the Assam State BJP arrived in West Bengal to campaign for the upcoming polls. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is addressing public rallies in constituencies like Cooch Behar, Kalchini, and Phansidewa, highlighting the BJP's focus on expanding its influence in the state.
National and Electoral Oversight
Nationally, political attention has turned to the Delimitation Bill after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the government could move the legislation while MPs from poll-bound states are focused on campaigning. Major campaign themes across states include inflation, unemployment, welfare schemes, law and order, infrastructure, and regional identity.
The Election Commission has increased vigilance by deploying central security forces, transferring officials in sensitive areas, and strictly enforcing the Model Code of Conduct to ensure free and fair polling. With high-stakes contests moving toward decisive phases, these measures aim to uphold the integrity of the electoral process across all regions.
