'Both men understand the stakes. They are not about to squander what they have.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special postage stamp and a commemorative coin featuring Bharat Mata to mark the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader B K Hariprasad have raised concerns about the RSS not being a registered organization and questioned the sources of its funding, alleging that this lack of registration allows the RSS to evade government regulations. BJP leaders have defended the RSS, stating that registration is not mandatory for all organizations.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told INDIA bloc leaders that despite public anger indicating a win for the opposition, the main challenge is the alleged lack of free and fair elections due to the BJP's control over state institutions. He urged unity and a strategy of 'resistance' against what he termed election 'theft'.
Senior CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty has criticised the Kerala UDF government for allegedly spreading misinformation about the Centre's PM SHRI scheme and attempting to implement it despite earlier opposition. He clarified that the previous LDF government froze the agreement over concerns about the National Education Policy and that funds received were not for PM SHRI. The scheme continues to be a politically contentious issue in the state.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to deliver on job creation promises during rallies in West Bengal.
The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the RSS on its 100th anniversary, citing excerpts from a book claiming Mahatma Gandhi described the Sangh as a "communal body with a totalitarian outlook." The party also referenced Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's criticism of the RSS.
Police in Pune have registered a rioting case against a religious preacher and his supporters after an ink attack on an NCP (SP) spokesperson, following accusations of targeting spiritual leaders.
The Karnataka government has relieved an assistant cook at a hostel run by the Backward Classes Welfare department in Basavakalyana after he allegedly participated in a route march organised by the RSS. This follows a complaint and is in line with rules barring government employees from participating in politically affiliated organizations.
A local court in Pune has remanded NCP (SP) spokesperson Vikas Lawande in judicial custody until June 6 over controversial statements he made about leaders of the Warkari sect. The court cited insufficient grounds for police remand. Police admitted to inadvertently mentioning the wrong crime number in an earlier reply opposing interim protection from arrest.
The Jharkhand Congress has accused the BJP of attempting to gain political advantage by organising large tribal gatherings while allegedly undermining the rights of tribal communities at the grassroots level.
Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has resigned from the party's primary membership, a move accepted by BJP chief Nitin Nabin. Annamalai's resignation follows his replacement as state president and the BJP's renewed alliance with AIADMK. He is expected to address his future plans, including the possibility of launching a new political party, during a social media interaction.
'But I know why he did it.' 'He was being heckled by BJP members who were mocking the Congress.' 'In that context, he quoted the song to tell them: "We know your anthem, we know your ideology, we know how divisive you are".' 'It was not an endorsement.'
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has expressed his displeasure over the incomplete rendition of 'Vande Mataram' in the state Assembly during his presence for the UDF government's policy address, emphasising the importance of adhering to proper protocol.
Congress leader V D Satheesan has criticised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of appeasing both majority and minority communities for political gain. Satheesan's remarks follow allegations of a CPI(M)-BJP deal in the upcoming election and Vijayan's claim that Satheesan has RSS support.
A Panchayat Development Officer in Raichur district, Karnataka, has been suspended for allegedly participating in an RSS event. The suspension follows a government decision to prohibit private organizations' activities in government institutions and public places, particularly targeting RSS Shakhas.
Bhagwat said India's concept of 'rashtra' is ancient, organic and fundamentally different from the Western idea of a nation.
According to the minister, the government views the incident with utmost seriousness.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to provide jobs in West Bengal during recent rallies.
From a modest start with baithaks of a handful of swayamsevaks in a small town in Nagpur, the RSS, which completes 100 years of its foundation on Thursday, has come a long way to become the world's biggest voluntary organisation with a pan-India presence, shaping the country's political and social discourse.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini predicts a BJP government in West Bengal, citing a desire for development and change among the state's residents.
Former Kerala Police chief Jacob Thomas has joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a full-time 'pracharak'. He participated in an RSS event on Mahanavami, emphasizing the organization's aim to create individuals with cultural strength. Thomas previously joined the BJP in 2021.
The Assam Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, aiming to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion. This makes Assam the third state in India to pass such a bill, following Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
Youth Congress and DYFI activists in Kerala protest the death of RSS worker Anandu Aji, demanding a thorough investigation and action against those allegedly responsible. The case involves allegations of sexual harassment and a suicide note.
RSS leader Sunil Ambekar says history textbooks have been revised, with titles like 'the great' removed from historical figures like Akbar and Tipu Sultan. He highlights the importance of India's ancient knowledge and the need to understand its history.
'In the (election) affidavit, he had declared Rs 1,400 crores as his assets. He has educational institutions, real estate, malls, etc.'
'It is something like traditional Indian families.' 'The family might be run by younger people, but if the patriarch says that you should consider someone for some task, it is very difficult for the others to ignore it.'
A suspended BJP leader has accused another party leader of involvement in a cash-for-votes scheme during the Lok Sabha election in Alappuzha, Kerala, prompting further scrutiny and controversy.
He said terrorists crossed the border and killed 26 Indians after checking their religion in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which drew a fitting response from the country, referring to Operation Sindoor.
The high court directed the petitioners to file a fresh petition to the district collectors along with the route of the march.
India has rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that criticised India's record on religious freedom and called for linking US security assistance and trade to improvements in this area.
Arvind Kejriwal has written to Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, stating he will not appear in the excise case personally or through a lawyer before her, citing concerns about impartiality.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will mark its centenary year with events beginning from Vijayadashami on October 2, which will include an address by its chief Mohan Bhagwat in the presence of former president Ramnath Kovind who will be the chief guest.
The DMK has criticised its ally Congress for supporting Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government, calling the decision a 'backstab'. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai accused Congress of being an 'unstable partner' and betraying the INDIA alliance.
According to pollster Pradeep Gupta, years of TMC "misrule" that created a "climate of fear", Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma and the organisational abilities of Amit Shah and the RSS brought the BJP to power in West Bengal.
The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to bring in rules to regulate RSS activities, including marches and events in public places and government premises, requiring prior government permission.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested two individuals for allegedly conspiring to wage war against the country by radicalising individuals through social media and planning to establish 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'.
Rahul Gandhi accuses Mamata Banerjee of not directly fighting the BJP, alleging that this indirect approach benefits the ruling party. He also criticised her government's performance on job creation and handling of corruption.
'The entire party is centred around one man and that is Arvind Kejriwal.' 'Till the time you are in Kejriwal's good books you are powerful. The day you are not with him, you are no one in the party.'
An RSS activist in Thiruvananthapuram allegedly committed suicide, claiming he was denied a BJP ticket for local elections. The incident has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from BJP leaders and allegations of corruption.
