The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.
Opposition parties in Punjab have criticised the AAP government following the killing of a police officer and a jail incident, alleging a breakdown of law and order in the state.
Congress candidate Sunil Kumar Chetry was allegedly attacked and injured during campaigning in Assam's Naduar constituency. The Assam Pradesh Congress President has accused the ruling party's supporters of carrying out the attack.
The Telangana High Court has granted transit anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case filed against him by Assam police over allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife.
Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the chief secretary of Himachal Pradesh amidst allegations of corruption, sparking controversy and criticism from opposition parties.
'Unfortunately the treasury is empty, in zero. So we have to first make money for the development activities of the state, and also to continue the welfare measures.'
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke plans to return to India to launch a peaceful protest seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related lapses.
Top Kerala police officers met with Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala amid speculation he will be the next Home Minister, discussing security for the swearing-in ceremony.
V D Satheesan, the Congress CM candidate for Kerala, expressed his gratitude to the party high command and key leaders for their support after being named Chief Minister.
Fresh political friction has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, where the Tamil Thai Valthu was once again played third during an official ceremony. This marks the third consecutive occasion where the Tamil anthem has been placed third in the protocol order, triggering fresh criticism and political reactions across the state regarding the government's failure to uphold regional ceremonial traditions.
Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said members of the INDIA bloc were likely to meet in the first week of June to discuss a joint strategy, while asserting that the opposition camp was prepared for a prolonged political battle.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting 'Melody' toffees to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, calling it a 'gimmick' while India faces an 'economic storm'. He accused Modi of prioritising public relations over addressing the struggles of farmers, labourers, and youth, a sentiment echoed by other Congress leaders.
Haryana Congress MLAs will visit 'mandis' to assess and support farmers facing difficulties in wheat and mustard procurement, following a decision made at a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Delhi.
'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.
West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul defended the detailed application form for the 'Annapurna Yojana', stating the government aims to ensure benefits reach only Indian citizens, amidst criticism over excessive documentation.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that West Bengal has gained infamy due to recruitment scams during the previous government and that there is a need to improve the state's image.
The building suffered extensive damage in the fire, with debris, shattered glass and burnt materials strewn in the vicinity. A large crowd gathered near the site as authorities cordoned off the spot and diverted traffic to facilitate rescue operations.
Confusion arose regarding the hospitalisation of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee after he complained of pain following an alleged attack. Despite initial reports suggesting superficial injuries, Banerjee was admitted to the ICU, leading to allegations of political interference in his medical treatment.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised the AAP government in Punjab, alleging unfulfilled promises, deteriorating law and order, and a failed anti-drug campaign. He also highlighted the welfare initiatives of Haryana's 'double-engine' government and expressed confidence in the BJP's future prospects in Punjab.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.
The Goa BJP has accused the Congress party of attempting to downplay the involvement of a councillor's son in a sex scandal, citing photographs of the councillor with Congress leaders.
Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has declared that removing the BJP from power is her life's mission, alleging election rigging and vowing to support TMC workers. She announced a nationwide anti-BJP programme and protested against post-poll violence and government actions.
A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a detailed constituency-wise disclosure of disenfranchisement caused by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.
A Congress leader in Madhya Pradesh has criticised the BJP government following the death of a forest guard, alleging the state is being run by mining mafias with political protection.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that census operations in the state would commence on August 1 and continue until the end of February next year. He criticised the previous government for delaying the process and highlighted the importance of the census for the state.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.
Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.
An IUML MLA has stated that the delay in the Congress party's decision on who should be the Chief Minister of Kerala has diminished the UDF's victory and is making it difficult for workers and MLAs to engage with the public.
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, citing his vision, competence, and strength. Other Congress leaders have also expressed their views on the new CM.
The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection from coercive action to Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Ram Das in connection with six FIRs registered against him. The court directed that the investigation would continue and asked the MLA to cooperate with the investigating agency.
Thirty-five BJP MLAs were sworn in as ministers as part of an expansion of the Suvendu Adhikari-led cabinet in West Bengal. The oath-taking ceremony took place weeks after Adhikari was sworn in as chief minister.
V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.
The BJP has secured significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, winning in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.
'The most enduring part of Satheesan's personality is he is good at heart. That is the reason why everybody, from the old to small children, get attracted to him.'
A special court in Mumbai has denied bail to an accused in the Baba Siddique murder case, citing his role in harbouring the shooters as supported by evidence. The court noted his involvement in the organised crime syndicate and conspiracy related to the murder.
The BJP has achieved significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, securing wins in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.
Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan met with the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India to express condolences for the deaths of Ayatollah Khamenei, soldiers, and civilians in the West Asia conflict.
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed parliament on the ongoing border dispute with India, stating both countries have agreed to seek resolution through diplomatic means and expert consultation. Shah's remarks about Nepal also encroaching on Indian territories have sparked controversy.
Forest personnel in Maharashtra have captured a cub of tigress T2, which killed four women in Chandrapur district. Efforts are underway to trap her three other cubs.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances