The Congress party is reportedly considering moving its Madhya Pradesh MLAs to a party-ruled state, likely Karnataka, ahead of the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections. This move aims to prevent potential cross-voting after the BJP fielded a surprise third candidate, intensifying the contest for three Rajya Sabha seats.
Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from his ministerial position in the newly formed Shivakumar government in Karnataka, expressing strong displeasure over the portfolio allocated to him. He had sought the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was given Major and Medium Irrigation projects, leading to a significant setback for the new administration.
Karnataka Minister K H Muniyappa has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the portfolio allocation in the new D K Shivakumar government, citing a lack of consideration for seniority. He urged the Congress leadership to review the assignments, highlighting his preference for portfolios like Social Welfare or Agriculture, and noted that another senior minister, Ramalinga Reddy, also resigned over the issue.
Amidst growing speculation about a potential leadership change in Karnataka, senior Congress leaders are meeting to discuss the future of the state government. The meeting follows months of rumours regarding a transition, with D K Shivakumar potentially succeeding Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.
A father and daughter have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly defrauding over 40 job seekers of more than Rs 5.30 crore by promising them government jobs through fake connections and training centres.
There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign, potentially paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to take over. The move follows reported pressure from the Congress high command, though the party has denied any official decision. Speculation is rife as political tensions rise in the state.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi received birthday wishes from across the political spectrum as he turned 56, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and various INDIA bloc leaders extending their greetings and praising his dedication to democratic values and the welfare of the marginalised.
'It all depends on how Shivakumar uses him and treats him.'
The Congress party in Odisha has moved its MLAs to Karnataka due to concerns about cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the BJD has called for meetings of its legislators.
'In the (election) affidavit, he had declared Rs 1,400 crores as his assets. He has educational institutions, real estate, malls, etc.'
D K Shivakumar, the Vokkaliga strongman and state Congress President, is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today at 4:05 pm at Lok Bhavan. The ceremony will also see some ministers taking oath, though the final list is awaiting approval from the Congress high command.
Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.
'Both men understand the stakes. They are not about to squander what they have.'
Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara announced the government will investigate alleged irregularities in the KPSC Mains examination and selection process following complaints of unfair practices.
IPL 2026 final venue remains uncertain as political issues in Bengaluru force BCCI to consider alternative cities, with playoffs likely split between Punjab and Karnataka.
The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.
The Karnataka government has promised to investigate alleged irregularities in the KPSC Mains examination and selection process following complaints of unfair practices.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clarified that saffron shawls are not permitted in educational institutions, while existing practices such as hijab, turbans, rudraksha beads, and sacred threads will continue to be allowed.
Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar announced that the TVK regime, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, will take steps to ensure fair financial devolution from the Centre, including pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court. The government also plans to conduct a 'Social Justice Survey' and address the state's severe financial deterioration.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru cancelled their victory parade in Bengaluru following their IPL title win to avoid a repeat of last year's deadly stampede and due to police restrictions.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated V D Satheesan on being named as the Kerala CM and expressed his desire to work together to protect the shared interests of both states.
'Congress needs a positive agenda rather than primarily picking up on two business houses.'
A Bengaluru court has sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni to life imprisonment for the murder of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar. The court also sentenced 15 others to life imprisonment in connection with the 2016 murder case.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay concluded his first official visit to Delhi, meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss key state issues.
If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.
A special court in Bengaluru has convicted Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others in the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogesh Goudar, finding them guilty of criminal conspiracy and related offences. The court has also ordered perjury proceedings against multiple witnesses and directed the CBI to take the accused into custody.
A special court in Bengaluru has reserved its order on the sentence for Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others convicted in the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogesh Goudar. The sentencing is scheduled for April 17, following arguments from both prosecution and defence.
BJP leader V Muraleedharan dismisses claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would strike a deal with the Congress to target the CPI(M), stating Modi has 'better things to do'. He also questioned Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's concern over ED raids if he has done nothing wrong.
Jammu and Kashmir scripted an extraordinary tale of resilience in Indian domestic cricket to claim their maiden Ranji Trophy title by out-batting traditional heavyweights Karnataka in the final in Hubbali on Saturday.
'Once the numbers come out, they fear that the OBCs would start to demand, and articulate what they are lacking, why they are lacking and what should be done to go forward.'
The BJP has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of supporting Umar Khalid by allowing an event linked to him in Bengaluru, despite objections. The BJP highlighted Khalid's legal status, noting he has not been granted relief by courts in cases related to the Delhi riots and faces charges under the UAPA.
Building a party from scratch and leading it to electoral success is an entirely different challenge.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday held discussions with his cabinet colleagues in the wake of the Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot reportedly issuing him a 'show-cause notice', seen as a precursor to sanctioning his prosecution in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam'.
In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage
A forum of swamijis has urged the Congress high command to immediately appoint D K Shivakumar as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, warning of consequences if the demand is not met.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of its money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter.
The Congress party's delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala has drawn criticism, particularly from key ally IUML, which warns of potential political fallout from the prolonged uncertainty.
'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'
'Looking at the situation purely on its Constitutional merits, the governor's conduct is defensible.' 'He is saying: You do not have a majority, so prove it. That is not an unreasonable position even if the timing and the political context make it deeply controversial.'
