BJP, PDP highlight importance of Census 2027; Cong urges for inclusion of OBC

IANS | April 1, 2026 3:57 PM

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have emphasised on the importance of Census 2027 which began on Wednesday, calling it necessary for government planning and policy implementation. The Congress, on its part, urged for the inclusion of Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the census.

BJP's Chakraborty accuses Trinamool of 'divisive politics', lauds SIR, flags issue of 'dead voters' (IANS Exclusive)

IANS | April 1, 2026 3:19 PM

Kolkata, April 1 (IANS) BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty on Wednesday hit out at the Trinamool Congress over what he described as "divisive politics" in West Bengal, while also lauding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and raising concerns over reports of "dead voters." The actor-turned-politician questioned alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and suggested that such issues needed closer scrutiny to ensure transparency in the voting process in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Oppn calls FCRA Amendment Bill 'malafide, undemocratic'; BJP says 'in national interest'

IANS | April 1, 2026 2:13 PM

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) Opposition parties on Wednesday criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government for the introduction of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill (FCRA), 2026, in the Lok Sabha, calling the Bill 'malafide' and 'undemocratic'. While the BJP, in its defence, said the Bill aims to regulate foreign funding and is in 'national interest'.