Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sharply criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) following the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) strong performance in the Bihar assembly elections. While congratulating JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar for the victory, Stalin said the poll outcome does not erase what he described as “misdeeds and reckless actions” of the ECI.

Stalin says ECI’s credibility is at a ‘low point’

Stalin posted on X that the Bihar mandate cannot “whitewash” the conduct of the Election Commission. He said citizens deserve a more independent and impartial poll body that inspires confidence across the political spectrum, including among those who do not win.

The Tamil Nadu chief minister argued that the ECI’s functioning has raised concerns and said its reputation is currently at its “lowest point”.

INDIA bloc’s defeat in Bihar

Despite the INDIA bloc’s loss, Stalin praised RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance partners for their extensive campaigning. He noted that election outcomes depend on welfare-driven governance, social coalitions, messaging, and close coordination until polling ends.

Tamil Nadu gears up for elections

His remarks come as Tamil Nadu prepares for its own assembly polls next year. The ruling DMK and its allies have been opposing the Centre’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

DMK recently moved the Supreme Court against the revision exercise. State minister Govi Chezhian also alleged that a “vote theft conspiracy”, as highlighted by some during the Bihar elections, would not succeed in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami backed the SIR process, saying it helps remove fake voters and dismissed allegations of conspiracy in large-scale elections.

Nine people lost their lives and 32 others sustained injuries after confiscated explosive material blew up inside the Nowgam police station near Srinagar on Friday night. The explosives, originally seized from a doctor in Faridabad during an ongoing terror probe, detonated while police personnel and forensic teams were examining them.

Blast during handling of seized material

According to officials, the explosion occurred around 11:20 pm when teams were inspecting the highly unstable explosives brought from Haryana. Most of the casualties include policemen and forensic experts, while two officials from the Srinagar administration also died.

The injured were taken to the Indian Army’s 92 Base Hospital and the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).

Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat said the material was extremely sensitive and was being handled with utmost caution. He termed other speculations “unnecessary”, stating that it was an accidental blast.

Explosives linked to unfolding ‘doctor module’

The Nowgam police station had earlier uncovered posters linked to a terror group, which eventually exposed a network of radicalised professionals. That probe led to the recovery of a massive cache of around 3,000 kg of ammonium nitrate from locations connected to Dr Muzammil Shakeel in Faridabad.

The posters—seen in October—were put up by arrested doctor Adeel Ahmad Rather, whose detention later connected the dots in a wider terror plot. Investigations revealed his association with a radical module involving highly qualified professionals and foreign handlers.

During the interrogation, the involvement of Shakeel and another doctor, Shaheen Saeed, came forward. Hours after Saeed’s arrest, a car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort left 13 dead and over 20 injured.

Delhi blast linked to same network

Further investigation uncovered that the i20 car involved in the Delhi blast was allegedly driven by Dr Umar Nabi. Officials believe the suspects panicked after chemicals were seized from Faridabad, possibly leading them to hurriedly assemble the explosive device.

Sources said the nature of the blast indicates improper assembly of the IED, suggesting the suspects failed to arm it for maximum impact.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described the National Democratic Alliance’s sweeping win in the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 as a “powerful expression of trust,” addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters in Delhi. He said the people of Bihar had delivered a historic mandate, reaffirming confidence in the NDA’s governance model.

PM Modi calls verdict a decisive endorsement

Expressing gratitude to voters, the Prime Minister said Bihar had “created history with its overwhelming trust,” stressing that the mandate showed people wanted the NDA to return to power. He added that voters responded to his call for greater participation, helping set new turnout records.

Opposition targeted over ‘Katta Sarkar’

Reiterating his criticism of the opposition, PM Modi said he had repeatedly warned about the return of “Jungle Raj” and what he termed “Katta Sarkar.” He remarked that while these terms drew no objection from one opposition party, they appeared to trouble another. He asserted that Bihar had clearly rejected such governance.

‘Biggest mandate since 2010’

Calling this the strongest mandate in 15 years, he thanked the electorate on behalf of all NDA partners. Modi said the people fulfilled both his appeals: to vote in higher numbers and to elect the alliance decisively.

New ‘MY Formula’: Mahila and Youth

The Prime Minister said some parties attempted to rely on the older caste-based “MY formula,” but the people countered it with a new version — “Mahila and Youth.” He said Bihar’s young population across all communities supported a progressive vision and rejected divisive politics.

Youth backing for clean voter lists

Modi praised the youth for supporting efforts to maintain clean and accurate voter lists. He urged political parties to strengthen booth-level teams nationwide and participate actively in this process.

Victory for democracy and Election Commission

The Prime Minister framed the result as a win for democracy, noting rising voter participation, including in marginalised sections. Recalling earlier challenges in Maoist-affected regions where polling once ended early, he said this election saw enthusiastic voting across the state.

Bihar rejected attempts to undermine institutions

He said the state, known as a cradle of India’s democratic ethos, once again stood against attempts to weaken institutions. Modi remarked that “falsehood loses and public trust wins,” adding that voters would not support leaders facing serious legal issues.

People voting for real social justice

Highlighting what he called a shift in public consciousness, the Prime Minister said the country was now voting for a model of social justice based on opportunity, dignity and equality. He said appeasement politics had faded and had been replaced by a demand for development-driven governance.