Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday expressed strong confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prospects in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections, asserting that the political mood in the state signals a shift away from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Speaking after the first phase of polling, Shah claimed that the high voter turnout indicates a desire for change, stating that “Mamata is leaving and BJP is coming.”

The first phase of elections recorded a notably high turnout across several constituencies, which Shah said reflects growing public support for the BJP and dissatisfaction with the current administration.

BJP predicts strong performance

The senior BJP leader went a step further, projecting a significant electoral gain for his party. He suggested that feedback from party workers and internal assessments indicate that the BJP could secure a large share of the seats contested in the first phase.

Shah linked the voter turnout to what he described as a broader shift in public sentiment, claiming that people in the state are moving from “fear to trust” and are ready for political change.

Intensifying political battle

The remarks come amid a high-pitched political contest between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee. The ongoing election has seen sharp exchanges between leaders from both sides, with each camp projecting confidence in forming the next government.

Shah’s comments also follow recent statements by Banerjee targeting the BJP at the national level, highlighting the broader political stakes surrounding the Bengal elections.

As polling progresses in multiple phases, the results are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the state.

In a key political development, Arvind Kejriwal called a meeting of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs at his residence, with sources indicating that the party chief was unaware of what was about to unfold.

According to sources, the meeting was convened amid signs of unease within the party. However, those familiar with the developments said Kejriwal did not have prior knowledge of the concerns or positions that some MPs were expected to raise during the interaction.

The discussions come at a time when AAP is navigating internal challenges, with indications of differing views within sections of its parliamentary leadership. While details of the meeting have not been officially disclosed, sources suggested that the interaction carried an element of surprise for the party leadership.

There has been no official statement from the party regarding the outcome of the meeting. The situation remains fluid, and it is not yet clear what impact these developments may have on the party’s parliamentary strategy going forward.

Central bank cites regulatory violations and depositor interest concerns, initiates process to shut down operations

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited, marking a major regulatory action against one of India’s prominent digital banking entities. The decision came into effect from the close of business on April 24, 2026.

With the licence revoked, the bank is no longer permitted to carry out any banking activities, including accepting deposits or offering services defined under banking laws. The RBI has also said it will approach the High Court to initiate the process of winding up the bank.

Reasons behind RBI action

The central bank cited multiple serious concerns in its order. It stated that the affairs of the bank were conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of depositors and the broader public. Additionally, the management practices were found to be prejudicial to depositor interests.

The RBI further noted that the bank failed to comply with conditions attached to its payments bank licence, and allowing it to continue operations would not serve any public interest.

Long history of regulatory issues

The latest move comes after prolonged regulatory scrutiny. Earlier, in January 2024, the RBI had already barred Paytm Payments Bank from accepting fresh deposits due to non-compliance issues, including lapses in customer due diligence, fund usage, and technology systems.

Over time, restrictions tightened as the bank failed to address regulatory concerns, ultimately leading to the cancellation of its licence.

What happens to customers

Despite the shutdown process, the RBI has indicated that the bank has sufficient liquidity to repay its depositors during the winding-up phase.

Customers are expected to be able to withdraw their existing funds, although the bank will not be allowed to continue normal banking operations going forward.

Impact on fintech sector

The cancellation of Paytm Payments Bank’s licence is being seen as one of the strongest regulatory actions in India’s fintech space. It signals stricter enforcement of compliance norms and could have wider implications for digital banking and payments companies operating under similar frameworks.