April 6, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held multiple election rallies across Assam as the state heads to a single-phase Assembly vote on Thursday. Speaking at a roadshow in Barpeta, Modi accused the Indian National Congress of supporting “infiltrators” and opposing action against illegal land encroachments, asserting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was freeing lands from illegal occupation. At rallies in Hojai and Dibrugarh he highlighted development achievements during a decade of BJP governance and accused Congress of prioritizing its own interests when it previously ruled the state.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi campaigned elsewhere, including in Puducherry where he promised full statehood for the Union Territory if the Congress wins. At a rally in Lawspet he pledged monthly support of Rs 2,000 for unemployed youth, creation of 30,000 jobs, free bus travel for women and health insurance of Rs 2,000,000 per family, and he accused the BJP of running Puducherry “by remote control.”
In Biswanath, Gandhi criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as “the most corrupt and hate‑spreading Chief Minister” of the country.
Election campaigning intensified across states: Modi also addressed crowds in West Bengal, promising accountability for the ruling Trinamool Congress if the BJP wins. In Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay’s TVK party canceled a planned Chennai rally citing inadequate time allotted by police to move between venues; the party intends to file a complaint with the Election Commission.
Other headlines from India on April 6:
– Security breach at Delhi Assembly: A speeding car breached multiple barricades and entered the Delhi Legislative Assembly complex around 2 p.m.; a man exited, placed a “flower bouquet” inside and fled. The vehicle had a Uttar Pradesh registration plate and police are investigating.
– Census kickoff: India began the world’s largest census, deploying more than three million officials. The exercise will include caste enumeration for the first time in nearly a century.
– Markets: Indian stock indices rebounded sharply in afternoon trading after an early dip. Sensex, which opened down nearly 600 points, recovered to rise about 500 points by afternoon; Nifty moved back above the 22,850 level.
– Fertilizer imports: Indian Potash Limited floated a global tender to import 2.5 million metric tons of urea amid supply disruptions tied to the US-Israel war with Iran. The tender seeks 1.5 million tons via the west coast and 1 million via the east coast, with bids due by April 15 and shipments expected to depart by June 14. The imports aim to secure supplies ahead of the June planting season; Oman is a major supplier.
– Sports: In the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings by 43 runs at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB posted 250/3, powered by Tim David’s 70* off 25 balls (eight sixes) and Rajat Patidar’s 48* off 19. CSK were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs; it marked CSK’s third consecutive loss this season and their fourth straight loss historically to RCB.
This round-up reflects campaigning and key national developments as India moves toward several state assembly elections.