Several protesters, including CPI(M) MP John Brittas, were detained in Delhi as the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation entered its second day on Sunday. Protesters alleged manhandling by security personnel, while police maintained extensive security arrangements, detaining thousands over the weekend.
The Delhi police detained more than 500 protesters, including Aam Aadmi Party leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi and Sanjay Singh, as well as activists of some student outfits, during a protest against the CEC at Jantar Mantar on Friday.
The BJP has launched a new song, "Modi Kahin Nahi Jaayega," as part of its social media campaign against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial "baap" remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The song asserts Modi's continued presence and criticises the opposition's language, while the Congress has also intensified its social media attacks, accusing the government of "vote chori" ahead of an INDIA bloc rally.
Sources have refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims regarding President Droupadi Murmu's response to 'vote chori' allegations, stating it's 'unfortunate' she's being drawn into the controversy. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc, after meeting the President, has vowed to provide a 'mountain of proof' to support their claims of electoral malpractice and demand for the CEC's resignation.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged people to join the opposition INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Dilli' march on November 1, aimed at saving democracy and protecting the Constitution. He assured participants not to fear police action. Other Congress leaders also highlighted alleged electoral irregularities and announced a "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The alleged killer of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab's Mansa district has been arrested from Rajasthan. Jhota was murdered on Tuesday after confronting the accused, a medical store owner, for allegedly selling drugs. The incident, captured on Facebook Live, led to widespread condemnation and protests against the state government.
Thousands of protesters, including farmers, trade unionists, students, and Left party members, marched towards the Election Commission of India headquarters in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the withdrawal of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging 'vote chori' and exclusion of eligible citizens.
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 successful hosting of the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi has provided a significant boost to the BJP, offering a timely opportunity to strengthen its narrative against the opposition ahead of crucial assembly elections next year. BJP sources highlight the BRICS grouping's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and the consensus declaration as major diplomatic victories for the Modi government, countering criticisms of its foreign policy. The party plans to leverage these outcomes during its month-long Seva Sankalp campaign to connect with various sections of society.
The Election Commission on Monday defended its decision to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the Supreme Court, saying the exercise was undertaken in accordance with the law and the three orders on its roll-out were approved unanimously by the Commission's three members.
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.
The Supreme Court has intervened in the ongoing protests against the Chief Election Commissioner, seeking responses from the Centre and other parties while emphasizing that protest sites cannot be occupied indefinitely, impacting local businesses.
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.
Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have vowed to escalate their agitation against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, expanding protests nationwide after their release from detention. They allege an "emergency-like situation" created by the Modi government, illegal detentions, and harassment of protesters, drawing parallels to the 1975 Emergency. The CJP is protesting alleged irregularities in voter rolls and demanding Kumar's resignation, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent.
Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for the security clampdown in central Delhi against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, calling it "worse than Emergency" and alleging dictatorship. He also accused Prime Minister Modi of being scared and protecting "vote chori" by crushing democracy, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
India's Monsoon session of Parliament remains formally unprorogued 40 days after adjournment, setting a new record. This unusual delay fuels speculation that the government intends to introduce a key legislation, possibly an amendment to the women's reservation law, without convening a new session. The proposed amendment aims for a 50 per cent seat expansion to address concerns over delimitation.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has strongly condemned the brutal assault on BSF personnel by villagers in Sepahijala district, ordering swift action after three jawans were injured and six people were arrested.
Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti bloc is embroiled in a blame game following its poor performance in the recent Legislative Council polls. The BJP has accused its ally Shiv Sena of non-cooperation, while Shiv Sena leaders defend their actions and one MLA even suggested reinstating Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister, drawing parallels with the Bihar political model.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an urgent appeal to right-wing Likud voters on Tuesday, warning of high Arab voter turnout in the ongoing parliamentary election. He claimed Arab voters were "racing to the ballots" and attempting to "steal the election," echoing a controversial tactic from 2015. Netanyahu stressed the importance of every vote for the future of the "Jewish state," as Arab citizens' participation could significantly influence the political balance.
Twenty-three political parties and an Independent MP have jointly written to Chief Justice Surya Kant regarding the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and other election-related issues, a move spearheaded by the INDIA bloc.
The Election Commission has announced a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union territories, including those facing assembly polls next year. This initiative aims to enrol new voters, correct existing entries, and enhance the accuracy of voter lists, with January 1, 2027, set as the qualifying date.
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.
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday dismissed concerns about the stability of the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government. His comments came after MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi resigned from the party, citing abandonment of key election promises, and amid reports of internal differences following a recent Cabinet expansion. Choudhary asserted the government's strength and criticised the BJP.
Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc met President Droupadi Murmu, alleging 'vote chori' and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with the repeal of assembly polls from the last two years. Rahul Gandhi expressed shock that the President did not deny the 'election theft' charge but sought proof.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expanded his council of ministers on Tuesday, swearing in four new faces from the Kashmir valley: Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shameema Firdous, and Altaf Ahmad Wani. This expansion comes after all ministers submitted their resignations, with the Congress, an ally, distancing itself from joining the cabinet until statehood is restored.
Lok Sabha MP Ramashankar Rajbhar 'Vidyarthi' announced that the INDIA bloc's seat-sharing formula has been finalised for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the Samajwadi Party's manifesto set for release on November 26. He emphasised a unified strategy for victory, while Congress leaders have claimed 175-200 seats, with final decisions to be made by top leadership. The article also touches upon the political landscape in UP, considering past election results and the 2027 contest.
Congress workers and police clashed outside the Jaipur Police Commissionerate during a protest demanding the registration of a zero FIR regarding the alleged assault on NSUI leader Ritu Barala by Delhi Police. Jaipur Police refused, citing an ongoing investigation in Delhi, while Congress leaders insisted on the legal provision for a zero FIR and accused the BJP government of denying justice. BJP leaders, in turn, called the protest a "political drama."
A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the distribution of trilingual medicine covers in government hospitals, with the DMK alleging a covert implementation of a three-language policy, while the ruling TVK accuses the opposition of political opportunism.
'I still remember when I gave three hits as a writer, back to back, Sanjay Gupta threw a party to celebrate me. He called the whole industry and the media. Which director throws a party for his writer?'
Disquiet is growing within the Manipur BJP regarding its handling of the controversy surrounding Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Public attacks on Akoijam, following his dismissal from JNU over sexual harassment complaints, have reportedly backfired, leading to a surge in his popularity, especially among Meitei youth in Imphal Valley. Senior BJP leaders privately acknowledge this miscalculation, while some within the party express concern over Akoijam's rising influence. The Congress MP has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated, and his strong electoral performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls further highlights his political sway.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student organisations have accused the government of attempting to influence electoral outcomes by allegedly deleting over 13 crore voters. They have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in voter rolls and criticising the police crackdown on protesters. Leaders questioned the government's protection of the CEC and linked voter deletions to the narrow victory margin in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
A 26-year-old woman in Bhubaneswar reported being raped at gunpoint by a masked man who entered her rented flat. Police have launched an investigation, conducted a medical examination, recorded her statement, and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the accused. The opposition BJD has also raised concerns about women's safety in the city.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding a plea alleging he pushed a pregnant journalist during a march to the apex court on October 12. The plea seeks an FIR and compensation for the alleged assault, which occurred amidst a protest against alleged voter deletions.
The Delhi High Court refused to issue an injunction to stop a protest by the CJP at Connaught Place Central Park on October 16, accepting the police's assurance to regulate the activity. A vendor had sought to regulate the protest, citing potential business losses during the festive season.
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has dismissed criticism against blending 20 per cent ethanol in petrol fuel as a 'paid campaign'. He highlighted that millions of vehicles are already running on E19-20 blends without widespread issues. Gadkari also addressed concerns about highway quality, promising improvements within two years and detailing plans for monitoring and penalising contractors. He further elaborated on the economic impact of infrastructure development and the expansion of India's highway network.
Tribal students protesting for better facilities and an inquiry into ashram school deaths were detained by police in Mumbai and driven out of the city. They had marched from Nashik and were seeking to meet the Governor.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a major controversy on Sunday with his remark "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" during an event in Patna, in response to an audience member's comment about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement drew sharp condemnation from senior leaders of the BJP and other NDA allies, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who criticised the use of "indecent and unparliamentary language" and demanded an apology from the Congress.
The UN human rights office expressed concern over mass detentions during protests in Delhi on Saturday, urging India to respect peaceful assembly rights and release detainees. India rejected these concerns as "misplaced" and "unwarranted interference." The protests, organised by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded electoral reforms and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list manipulation, which the Election Commission and BJP deny.
Police in Malappuram, Keralam, have registered a case against 15 Muslim Students Federation (MSF) activists for allegedly attacking Students Federation of India (SFI) leaders, Adhil and Sujith, at a hospital. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, left the SFI leaders with serious injuries, including fractures and broken teeth. The incident followed clashes during the Calicut University students' union election on Wednesday. A separate case was also filed for damage to the hospital. Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the violence, accusing the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and MSF, and criticised police for alleged protection of attackers.
Police in Malappuram, Keralam, have registered a case against 15 Muslim Students Federation (MSF) activists for allegedly attacking Students Federation of India (SFI) leaders, Adhil and Sujith, at a hospital. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, left the SFI leaders with serious injuries, including fractures and broken teeth. The incident followed clashes during the Calicut University students' union election on Wednesday. A separate case was also filed for damage to the hospital. Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the violence, accusing the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and MSF, and criticised police for alleged protection of attackers.
