States Focus
Local Body polls announced in Gujarat; voting on April 26
The State Election Commissioner of Gujarat, S Murali Krishna, has announced the schedule for local self-Government elections in the State. Voting will be held on April 26, while counting of votes will take place on April 28. The Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect. Elections will be conducted for 34 District Panchayats, 260 Taluka Panchayats, 95 Municipalities, and 15 Municipal Corporations. The official notification will be issued on April 9, 2026. The last date for filing nominations is April 11, while scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on April 13. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until April 15. Polling will take place on Sunday, April 26, from 7 am to 6 pm. Approximately 4.18 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise, with around 9,992 candidates contesting across the State.
CM flags off Hanuman Jayanti procession in Ahmedabad
On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagged off a grand procession from the renowned Camp Hanuman Temple in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad. The celebrations began with a collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa in the morning. The Chief Minister performed rituals, offered prayers, and inaugurated the procession by ceremonially launching the main chariot after performing aarti and offering a coconut. The procession featured decorated elephants, camel carts, large symbolic maces, trucks, and a special tableau themed on “Operation Sindoor,” which attracted significant attention.
CM inaugurates modern girls’ hostel in Amreli district
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated a newly constructed, modern girls’ hostel and dining facility at Devka Vidyapith in Rajula taluka of Amreli district. The event was held in the presence of noted spiritual leader and Bhagwat Kathakar Rameshbhai Oza (popularly known as Pujya Bhaishri), along with other dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, the CM emphasised that the foundation for girls’ education in Gujarat was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister. The newly developed infrastructure includes a girls’ hostel with a capacity of 1,100 beds and a modern building accommodating 580 students, aimed at promoting education among children from economically weaker sections.
Speaking on the occasion, Rameshbhai Oza highlighted that the future of a nation depends on its children and stressed the importance of nurturing the potential of students, especially those who may be academically weaker.
