Here are the top 5 stories of the day

‘I am a free bird now’: Mamata Banerjee refuses to resign, alleges conspiracy

Outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ruled out resigning, claiming her party did not lose the election by public mandate but by conspiracy, alleging the BJP and Election Commission “looted votes and stole seats.” She said she is now a “free bird” without a chair and will strengthen the INDIA alliance, adding that Opposition leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal have expressed solidarity with her. Follow live updates.

‘I am their next target’: Raghav Chadha alleges ‘vendetta politics’ by AAP-led Punjab govt, meets President Murmu

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who recently quit AAP and joined BJP, met President Droupadi Murmu and alleged that he is the “next target” of vendetta politics by the AAP-led Punjab government. Chadha claimed that he is being targeted for switching sides and urged the President to intervene. Read full story.

US tries to force open Strait of Hormuz as UAE comes under attack in test of Iran truce

The US military said it fired on Iranian forces and sank six small boats targeting civilian ships as it moved to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The UAE said it had come under attack from Iran for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took hold in early April. The UAE Defense Ministry said its air defences engaged 15 missiles and four drones fired by Iran. Authorities in Fujairah said one drone sparked a fire at a key oil facility, wounding three Indian nationals. Follow live updates.

Arvind Kejriwal accuses BJP of ‘murdering democracy’ after WB, Assam wins, says ‘major crisis looms across country’

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of “hijacking and murdering democracy” following its decisive electoral performance in West Bengal and Assam. Addressing AAP MLAs from Punjab, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP employed tactics such as voter deletions to weaken political opponents. Follow live updates.

Buried for a century: 409 gold coins discovered under a Russian home, owner remains a mystery

In a remarkable discovery, 409 gold coins buried for over a century were found under a home in Russia. The coins, believed to be hidden for more than 100 years, were unearthed during excavation or renovation work at the property. However, despite the significant find, the identity of the original owner remains unknown. Authorities are now investigating the origin and historical significance of the treasure, while experts are examining the coins to determine their minting period and possible value. Read full story.