The Supreme Court has questioned the Election Commission's decision to allot the Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction, asking if the possibility of denying the symbol to both factions was adequately considered. The court also raised concerns about using legislative majority as a test while disqualification proceedings against MLAs were pending. The Shinde faction argued for the validity of the legislative majority test, citing significant vote share and legal precedents.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's interim decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress' name and party symbol. The EC had allotted separate names and symbols to two rival TMC factions ahead of upcoming bypolls, a move Banerjee has strongly criticised as a "black day" for democracy.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant reshuffle of its state in-charges and co-in-charges across all 28 states and eight Union territories, with prominent leaders like Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav assigned to crucial states, as the party gears up for upcoming assembly elections.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticised the BJP government, alleging that the state has fallen from its top position in development to being number one in drugs, corruption, and crime. He claimed the BJP has not made any public interest decisions in 12 years and accused them of deteriorating Haryana's economic condition and allowing criminal gangs to flourish.
The Calcutta High Court's division bench set aside a single-bench order that had granted interim protection to Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan from coercive action in a 2007 criminal case. The court ruled that there is no provision in criminal law for such interim protection, meaning Pradhan's judicial remand will remain effective ahead of the bypoll.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction to operate four debit-frozen bank accounts, upholding a Calcutta High Court order. The accounts, holding around Rs 804 crore, are under investigation due to alleged cash deposits and a factional dispute within the party. The court noted the Election Commission's symbol freeze and requested the High Court to expedite the larger adjudication.
Uttarakhand's final electoral roll, released after the Special Intensive Revision, shows a significant reduction of approximately 8 lakh voters compared to the start of the process, with the total now standing at 71.58 lakh. The opposition Congress, however, claims the decline is much steeper, citing a 14 lakh reduction from an earlier figure. The Chief Electoral Officer's office detailed the revision process, including additions and removals, and outlined ongoing efforts to ensure all eligible citizens are included.
A Delhi court granted bail to 17 protesters arrested for unlawful assembly and obstructing public space, citing their youth and future careers. Simultaneously, the court sought a report from Delhi Police regarding allegations of "custodial torture" made by some of the accused, while also emphasising the right to peaceful protest but condemning assault on police officials.
The Trinamool Congress has submitted new names and symbols to the Election Commission for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, following an interim order that temporarily barred the party from using its original name and "flowers and grass" symbol due to an ongoing internal dispute and split. The party submitted its choices under protest.
Kunwar Basit Ali, national president of BJP Minority Morcha, stated that the demolition of religious structures for development should not be viewed communally, citing examples from Uttar Pradesh and Muslim nations. He accused the Congress of misleading Muslims and instigating unrest. Ali also expressed confidence in the BJP forming the next government in Jammu and Kashmir and addressed concerns regarding the delay in statehood restoration, asserting that the central government would make the best decisions for Kashmir.
The Election Commission has issued an interim order preventing rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy, from using the party name and its "Flowers and Grass" symbol during the upcoming West Bengal by-elections. Both groups have been directed to submit preferred names and symbols by Friday morning for recognition and allotment for the bypolls, as the EC undertakes a substantive determination of the party dispute.
Congress's Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan has been sent to judicial custody until October 3 on charges dating back 19 years, effectively ending his campaign for the October 6 by-election.
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has unequivocally stated that any process disenfranchising Indian citizens is arbitrary and violates the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has questioned the reliability of legislative majority as the sole determinant for political party ownership, especially when disqualification proceedings are pending against the very legislators forming that majority. This query arose during arguments concerning the Shiv Sena faction dispute between Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray.
Keralam Sports Minister O J Janeesh's vehicle was allegedly attacked by DYFI workers in Kannur and Kasaragod, sparking a major political confrontation between the ruling UDF and the CPI(M). Chief Minister VD Satheesan condemned the incident, alleging CPI(M) involvement, while the CPI(M) denied the claims, stating it was a peaceful protest. Police have registered a case, and the incident follows earlier clashes between SFI and Youth Congress workers.
The Supreme Court resumed hearing pleas challenging the Maharashtra Speaker's decision regarding the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLAs and the Election Commission's recognition of the Shinde faction as the "real" Shiv Sena. Senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, representing the Shinde camp, argued that the EC has jurisdiction under Article 324 to examine a party's democratic character and organisational structure, especially when the Thackeray faction's constitution was not registered with the poll panel. He emphasised that the Shinde faction's case is based on a split within the political party, not just its legislative wing, citing cadre discontent. The hearing remains inconclusive.
The RSS-affiliated ABVP won three out of four central panel posts in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) election, including president, secretary, and joint secretary. Independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen, who was denied an NSUI ticket, secured the vice-president's post by a significant margin, while the Congress-affiliated NSUI failed to win any central panel position.
India has strongly criticised the local body elections in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), labelling them as a facade to conceal Pakistan's illegal occupation and severe human rights violations in the region. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's stance that all of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, including PoK, are integral parts of India. He also dismissed Pakistan's claims to a shared cultural legacy, citing its history of promoting terrorism and fundamentalism.
Gujarat CID-Crime has registered FIRs against three political outfits Swatantrata Abhivyakti Party, Satyavadi Rakshak Party, and Garib Kalyan Party for allegedly orchestrating a 'poll donation scam' amounting to Rs 314 crore in tax evasion. These parties reportedly collected donations, returned money after deducting commissions, and facilitated tax rebates for donors, with chartered accountants also implicated. The scam involved submitting false contribution reports to the Election Commission.
The troubles, however, go beyond the exit of one office-bearer.
In Rajasthan's recent urban local body elections, several candidates experienced unusual results. A BJP candidate and a Congress candidate each secured only one vote, while an RLP candidate received zero votes. These outcomes occurred across different municipalities in Didwana-Kuchaman, Nagaur, and Balotra districts, with one candidate alleging foul play in the vote count.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced a resolution in the assembly demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood for the union territory. The resolution, which referenced previous autonomy resolutions, led to intense protests and "ugly scenes" from opposition BJP members, resulting in the adjournment of the House. Abdullah highlighted the unfulfilled promise by the Government of India regarding statehood after delimitation and elections.
Thirteen-year-old Yu Zidi's three golds and MVP award provided a golden highlight as the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games closed after a fortnight of logistical problems.
The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress faction has announced Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury as its candidates for the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly by-elections in West Bengal. This announcement comes amidst a significant split within the TMC, with a rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee also vying for control of the party's name and symbol. The Election Commission is currently deliberating on the claims of both factions, a decision that will critically impact the by-polls scheduled for October 6.
Germany coach Juergen Klopp has urged citizens to reclaim expressions of national pride from 'the wrong people,' in a clear rebuke to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) following their recent election victory.
The Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court that over 37 lakh appeals concerning deletions or inclusions in West Bengal's electoral rolls remain pending under the Special Intensive Revision. The apex court-appointed tribunals have disposed of only a fraction of the 38.20 lakh appeals filed, prompting the Supreme Court to seek data and a plan for streamlining the adjudication process.
UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister stated that UEFA is actively seeking a credible challenger to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the upcoming March election, emphasising the need for a candidate capable of uniting football's confederations and delivering lasting governance reform, rather than merely installing a European figurehead.
From Azhar and Sanju to Thackeray and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Bollywood has often struggled to tell controversial true stories without turning their subjects into heroes.
The first phase of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) polls recorded a 36% voter turnout, with a keen contest between ABVP, NSUI, and the AISA-SFI alliance. Student concerns like accountability, affordable accommodation, and accessible administration were prominent, influenced by past protests. The election also saw allegations between student groups and extensive security arrangements.
The Election Commission has allotted the 'Football Player' symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, while the rival Arup Roy-led group will contest with the 'Envelope' symbol.
The BCCI's 95th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai will address several crucial matters, including the grant of associate membership to the Cricket Association of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the appointment of a BCCI representative to the ICC, and the induction of new members to the IPL Governing Council.
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.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has lodged a police complaint against several HI officials, including the former Executive Director, accusing them of "criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life and wrongful abandonment." The complaint stems from an incident where Tirkey's personal belongings, including medicines, were allegedly withheld after an official vehicle was recalled. This incident highlights an ongoing power struggle between Tirkey and HI Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, exacerbated by past controversies like the saffron jersey fiasco and disputes over board meetings.
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, Mamata Banerjee's party's candidate for the Rejinagar by-election, initially announced his withdrawal from the contest due to harassment of workers and symbol unfamiliarity, but retracted his statement within hours after intervention from the party's top leadership and Mamata Banerjee herself, confirming he will now contest the October 6 poll.
The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.
SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has revived the long-standing discussion about dividing Uttar Pradesh, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him the state could be split into four parts after a caste census. Rajbhar's statement, made at a rally in Deoria, links the division to the 27% reservation issue and suggests a Rajbhar could become chief minister of a new Purvanchal state. The demand for UP's division has historical precedents, notably from former Chief Minister Mayawati.
Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the Mamata Banerjee camp's candidate for the Nandigram bypoll, withdrew her nomination just hours after the Election Commission assigned a new party name and symbol to the faction. This development leaves the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress without a candidate in the crucial Nandigram constituency.
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh alleged his car was attacked with hammers and a gun was pointed at his security personnel in Kolkata, following a similar incident in Hooghly. He accused the BJP of orchestrating a "jungle raj," while the BJP dismissed the claims as a publicity stunt.
The Supreme Court has expressed concern to the Election Commission regarding the "almost mechanical" issuance of notices under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Delhi, urging additional safeguards and clarification on "logical discrepancy" criteria. The court is hearing a petition challenging the EC's process, which has seen millions of voters receive notices, raising practical difficulties and concerns about potential disenfranchisement.
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.
