BSP chief Mayawati has announced that her nephew Akash Anand has been "completely freed" from the party, following his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth's retirement from politics. Mayawati questioned Anand's commitment, suggesting his personal and family interests outweighed the party's, especially after his failure to repost her X post regarding Siddharth's retirement. This decision comes as the BSP prepares for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Umashankar Singh, the Bahujan Samaj Party's sole MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly from the Rasra constituency, has passed away at the age of 55 after a prolonged illness. Political leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BSP president Mayawati, and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, have expressed their condolences.
BSP chief Mayawati has accused her nephew Akash Anand, recently expelled from the party, of being involved in spreading rumours about her ill health. She detailed a phone call made by Akash to a party in-charge inquiring about her health and reiterated her stance on keeping family members away from political positions, except for her brother Anand Kumar who assists her. She also mentioned the ongoing protest by panchayat assistants in Uttar Pradesh.
BSP chief Mayawati has criticised the Centre's decision to introduce a 0.4 per cent fee on UPI merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. She termed it a "capitalist profiteering attitude" that burdens the common people, while the government clarified that the charge is on merchants and not customers for person-to-person transactions.
Independents have secured nearly two-thirds of urban wards in Bharatpur and Deeg districts, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's home turf, significantly outperforming the BJP and Congress in local body elections. This unexpected surge sets the stage for a political battle as both major parties vie for the support of these Independent councillors to form civic boards.
The ruling BJP has increased its lead over the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections, winning 3,587 wards against Congress's 3,050. Independents also performed strongly, securing 2,024 wards. While BJP secured a clear majority in Udaipur, Congress won in Ajmer and Pali. Bharatpur, the Chief Minister's hometown, saw Independents leading. These elections are a crucial test for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.
The BJP has narrowly defeated the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections by less than one percentage point. Independent candidates secured a significant share of votes, and NOTA outperformed several smaller parties. Prime Minister Modi lauded the BJP's performance, attributing it to public support for good governance.
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.
A ruling Bharatiya Janata Party functionary was held in connection with the alleged theft of iron scrap worth several crore rupees from the public sector Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh's Durg district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 17, the police said on Sunday.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced a new dress code of blue T-shirt and jeans for the party's student wing, Chhatra Sabha, along with a two-week student awareness campaign. The move aims to connect with young people in educational institutions, familiarise them with the party's ideology, and promote socialist values. Yadav explained the symbolism of the blue colour, associating it with ideology, democracy, the Constitution, and the 'Bahujan samaj', while jeans represent rebellion and workers. The initiative is part of the party's broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak, and also Prem, Daya, Apnapan) campaign to establish social justice.
'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'
'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'
The AIADMK has released its final list of candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, including nominees to contest against prominent DMK leaders. The party is contesting in alliance with the BJP, AMMK and PMK.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea by senior advocate Kapil Sibal challenging the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule's 'deemed merger' provision, which allows MLAs and MPs to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, citing its 'huge repercussions on our polity'.
The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Abid, a convicted accused in the 2005 BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case, suspending his sentence due to the long pending criminal appeal and lack of direct evidence against him in the original FIR.
A delegation of Dalit Congress leaders faces disciplinary action after an unscheduled visit to BSP chief Mayawati's residence in Lucknow, coinciding with Rahul Gandhi's visit and raising questions about party authorisation and alliance dynamics.
Despite international fame, she remained rooted in village traditions. Friends recalled that success never changed her lifestyle.
Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
Its strength is set to increase by 3 seats once the current round of Rajya Sabha polls for 27 seats are concluded on June 28.
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) held a protest in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, against the alleged desecration of a B.R. Ambedkar statue, demanding immediate arrests and threatening further agitation.
The main accused in the murder of a 17-year-old student in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, died after sustaining injuries in an encounter with police. Asad, wanted for stabbing Surya Chauhan, was injured during an exchange of fire and later died in hospital. The incident has drawn strong reactions, with authorities promising strict action against those responsible.
Police in Aligarh have booked a man for allegedly desecrating a picture of B R Ambedkar and sharing a video of the act on social media, leading to protests.
Three individuals, including the brother of a former BSP district president, have been booked in Bhadohi for allegedly defrauding a man with promises of a government job and subsequently threatening him.
Newly appointed Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon has outlined his plans to strengthen the party in the state, aiming for a majority in the 2027 assembly elections. He criticised the ruling AAP government and promised to address key issues such as crop diversification and law and order.
A court in Uttar Pradesh sentenced Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan to two years in jail for making objectionable remarks against government officials during the 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign.
The AAP government in Punjab successfully moved a Confidence Motion in the state assembly, following the defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted the party's strength and national presence during the special session.
Most defections originated from three major parties -- the Congress, BJP and BSP.
A statue of B R Ambedkar was vandalised in Noorpur Jattan village, Punjab, leading to protests and claims of responsibility by a pro-Khalistan leader. Police are investigating the incident, which is not the first of its kind in the area.
A statue of B R Ambedkar was vandalised in Loni, Ghaziabad, leading to protests and traffic disruption on the Delhi-Saharanpur Highway. Police have detained suspects and are investigating the incident.
A court in Uttar Pradesh sentenced former MLA Mohammad Tabish Khan and his brother to three years' imprisonment for assaulting a police constable in 2016.
A statue of B R Ambedkar was vandalised in Punjab, leading to protests and political condemnation. A pro-Khalistan leader has purportedly claimed responsibility, prompting an investigation.
A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that the BJP declared the highest income among national parties in FY 2024-25, while the Congress's income declined.
The Opposition had the numbers to win one Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar. As it turned out, four MLAs skipped the voting, helping the NDA to sweep the polls.
Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad threatened to resign if the Nishad community is not granted Scheduled Caste status. He made the announcement during a rally in Gorakhpur, where he also criticised previous governments for neglecting the community.
A short circuit caused a brief moment of panic during a press conference held by BSP president Mayawati in Lucknow. Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav called it a security lapse and demanded an investigation.
'BSP will remain a player, but only a marginal player, as long as the BJP is extremely dominant in North India politics.'
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati paid tribute to the party founder, late Kanshi Ram, on his 91st birth anniversary. She emphasized the BSP's commitment to action over words, highlighting the party's focus on the upliftment of backward classes. Mayawati also referred to herself as the "iron lady" and emphasized the importance of understanding the power of one's vote.
The Supreme Court's stay on the UGC equity regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses has been met with mixed reactions. Opposition parties welcomed the decision, while some expressed concern over the implications for marginalized communities.
Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.
The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.
