A state-wide bandh was observed across Punjab on Thursday following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Markets and educational institutions remained shut, and roads were blocked by protesters, disrupting traffic. Jhota was shot on Tuesday for questioning the illegal sale of addictive drugs. His family, supported by various political parties and farmer unions, has refused to perform his last rites until justice is delivered, demanding resignations of top officials and a CBI probe. The incident has intensified the political debate on drug menace and law and order in Punjab.
An 'illegally' constructed mosque within the Saharanpur district collectorate complex was demolished following a court order, drawing strong condemnation from opposition parties who accused the government of engaging in 'politics of hate' and undermining social harmony.
West Bengal could be the Bharatiya Janata Party's real test case of its business-friendly policies, points out Kanika Datta.
The father of a doctor who was raped and murdered has questioned the CBI after former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh received bail from the Supreme Court in a financial irregularities case. Ghosh was previously granted bail in the rape-murder case in December 2024 due to the CBI's failure to file a chargesheet. Doctors and the victim's family are criticising the CBI's handling of the investigations, alleging incompetence and delays.
The Chhattisgarh government has approved a CBI probe into the alleged large-scale theft of iron and scrap from the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Durg district. This follows the arrest of 21 individuals, including a BJP functionary and BSP officials, and the seizure of assets worth Rs 3.22 crore in May. BJP MLA Rikesh Sen, who has been vocal about the issue, welcomed the decision, stating that "white-collar" individuals involved in looting national assets will now face action.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran has alleged that a government school in Tiruppur illegally collected fees from students for admission and has sought stringent action against the school authorities.
Accept the right to peaceful assembly; reverse the injustice done to crores of voters; punish the man responsible, points out Aakar Patel.
Amid sweltering October heat in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray turns up the heat against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, hinting obliquely about Nuremberg-like trials once the wheels of electoral fortune change.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and actor-activist Prakash Raj joined a protest in Bengaluru, demanding the scrapping of the electoral roll revision exercise and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging widespread voter deletion aimed at disenfranchising specific groups.
The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit has strongly criticised Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for advocating the restoration of Article 370, asserting that the constitutional provision has been permanently abrogated and such calls aim to disrupt peace. The party emphasised that Kashmir has moved beyond past conflicts and is focused on development, while reiterating that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, distinct from Article 370.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Saturday demanded punishment for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid an ongoing political row over the SIR exercise, declaring that "Kala Pani" is the appropriate punishment for Kumar based on the magnitude of his position and the alleged gravity of his misconduct.
Elon Musk has renewed his criticism of Mukesh Ambani regarding Starlink's entry into India, accusing Ambani's supporters of hypocrisy for simultaneously claiming Starlink can't compete with low prices and that it poses a strong competitive threat. Musk argues that competition would benefit Indian consumers and that Starlink would adjust pricing if too expensive. He also shared reports alleging Reliance-funded political donations. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated India does not permit monopolies and that multiple players, including Starlink, have received satcom licences.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that Rahul Gandhi would lead the INDIA bloc in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, dismissing reports of TVK proposing C Joseph Vijay as a prime ministerial candidate. Venugopal highlighted Gandhi's widespread appeal and campaigns on key issues, while also addressing internal alliance differences and criticising the BJP government's actions.
Delhi Police launched a massive crackdown, detaining Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and nearly 500 protesters who attempted to reach Jantar Mantar for a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Opposition, including AAP and Congress, denounced the situation as 'worse than the Emergency'.
A group of 124 former IAS, IFS, IPS, and allied services officers have issued an open letter defending the Election Commission (EC) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. They argue that the electoral system cannot be deemed rigged only when a party loses, citing instances where the ruling BJP lost elections under the same EC. The officers highlight the legitimacy and necessity of the SIR for cleaning voter rolls and underscore the robust safeguards within India's electoral system.
The INDIA bloc, comprising 17 opposition parties and civil society members, met at Rahul Gandhi's residence to strategize against alleged "vote chori" and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Tejashwi Yadav, vowed to continue their united political and people's resistance, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and asserting that those responsible for undermining democracy would be held accountable.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) led a large protest in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke announced a further protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Kumar does not step down, citing alleged voter deletions and irregularities in recent elections. The protest, which saw participation from various activists and public figures, also called for freezing voter lists and abolishing the 2023 law on Election Commissioner appointments.
JD-U supremo Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, a day after the BJP lost the Bankipur assembly by-election in Patna. The meeting, which included other JD-U leaders, occurred amidst recent political changes in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar had resigned as Chief Minister and a BJP leader took charge.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the CBI has completed 90% of its investigation into the murder of his personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, with only the alleged money trail left to be established. Adhikari claimed the murder involved shooters from Uttar Pradesh, a hirer from Bihar, and a "Bhaipo gang" in the Rs 2 crore contract money. He urged voters to seek "revenge" for Rath's death in the Nandigram bypoll.
Following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, police have suspended a station house officer and arrested the alleged shooter's wife. The shooter, Ashwani Kumar, and an associate are in police remand. Investigations are ongoing into Kumar's arms licence and drug network, while Jhota's family and activists demand further action and a CBI probe, leading to a 'Punjab bandh' on Thursday.
By-elections across several Indian states, including Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal, concluded peacefully with high voter turnouts. The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam recorded 76% polling, while Tamil Nadu's Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly Constituencies saw 83.86% and 78.53% respectively. Puducherry's Thattanchavady registered 78.83%, and West Bengal's Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies had nearly 79% turnout.
West Bengal's Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal announced that fines for spitting, littering, open defecation, and using single-use plastic bags will be enforced from Tuesday, with penalties ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200, aiming to change public behaviour rather than generate revenue.
Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, protested alleged rape claims, leading to a 15-hour blockage of National Highway-44 and clashes with police. The university suspended classes and postponed exams. BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu accused the AAP government of instigating the unrest to disrupt an upcoming Amit Shah rally, while police registered a rape case and formed an SIT despite LPU calling the claims "rumours."
Easing Gyanesh Kumar out would create a hazardous political precedent because forcing out a top official, due to public pressure, projects an image of reactive, defensive governing. Furthermore, making a high-level official like the CEC to hand in his papers would validate Opposition claims that Constitutional referees have been compromised, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
The West Bengal government has revoked the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj following his controversial remarks describing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a 'war criminal' and questioning the Azad Hind Fauj's role in India's freedom struggle.
Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
Kharge, who is also the Congress President, demanded that cases should be registered, under the Untouchability Act, against those who purified the stage in Haldwani, and they should be arrested and sent to jail.
Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.
AAP workers in Mohali protested against Enforcement Directorate search operations at the GMADA office, alleging misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led Centre. The protests involved clashes with police and damage to property, while the ED's investigation targeted GMADA officials, an IAS officer, a realty company, and residences linked to political figures.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a 'Lehra do Tiranga' march in Central Park, Connaught Place, on Friday, despite the NDMC announcing the park's closure and Delhi Police citing prohibitory orders against mass gatherings. The march is part of an ongoing protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Police have urged people to stay away, while Dipke questioned the authorities' stance on waving the national flag and alleged surveillance. The agitation follows the arrest of CJP leaders and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.
The objective should be clear: Energy security without abandoning environmental responsibility; water security without ignoring local concerns; and strategic resilience without sacrificing public confidence, notes Varun Arya.
Rahul Gandhi led a significant opposition protest in New Delhi, attempting to march to the Election Commission office to allege "vote chori" and demand the CEC's resignation. The protest resulted in a lockdown of Parliament Street, a standoff at the All India Radio premises, and detentions of several opposition MPs, drawing strong reactions from the ruling BJP.
The DMK has announced its exit from the INDIA bloc, citing "betrayal" by the Congress and asserting its independent political path. The party accused Congress leaders, including TNCC chief B Manickam Tagore, of making unsavoury remarks and acting as "sleeper cells," which contributed to the DMK's electoral setbacks. The DMK warned Congress leaders against further criticism and stated it would not participate in Congress-led agitations.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged CEC Gyanesh Kumar to resign and turn approver, stating the opposition's fight is against the "bigger powers" behind him.
The Cockroach Janta Party on Sunday demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged assault that led to the death of Janab Mafik, the father of CJP volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and members of the INDIA bloc, have strongly condemned the arrest and jailing of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for protesting at Jantar Mantar, asserting that waving the national flag and peaceful protest are not crimes.
The Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance to register an FIR under the anti-graft law against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas in the alleged CMRL bribery case. The court stated that information provided by the Enforcement Directorate contains sufficient material to show commission of cognizable offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, ruling out the need for a preliminary enquiry. The court also deemed illegal the state government's decision to form a Special Investigation Team for a preliminary enquiry.
Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched to the Supreme Court to file a petition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging 'vote chori' and irregularities in electoral rolls.
'Dara's case can strengthen the perception among sections of the BJP's traditional support base.'
India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.
