The Congress party has announced a significant organisational reshuffle, appointing new general secretaries and state in-charges. Sachin Pilot has been made in-charge of Punjab, and Randeep Singh Surjewala for Gujarat, ahead of crucial assembly elections. Other changes include new in-charges for Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, with some outgoing leaders being replaced.
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Congress MLA Ramya Haridas was involved in a scuffle with local party workers in Chirayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram, leading to injuries and police cases. Both Haridas and the party workers, including district panchayat member Sajith Muttambalam and leader Sajad, have filed complaints, each presenting a different account of the incident which reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a WhatsApp post and the role of Haridas' staff member.
Three months after winning power in West Bengal, the BJP is confronting a significant political challenge: how to expand and consolidate its presence without adopting the very political culture it campaigned against, particularly concerning the integration of former TMC leaders and the need to curb practices like extortion and intimidation among its own cadres.
The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, directing all states and Union Territories to ensure proper, encroachment-free pedestrian spaces. The court emphasised that footpaths are integral to human life and safety, and states must respond to advisories issued by central ministries regarding their implementation.
Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, are preparing to challenge the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court. They allege the new law undermines states' rights by restricting their powers to levy taxes on mineral resources, a claim the Centre denies, stating it aims for uniform mineral rates.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) to conduct a nationwide survey to check if any state has constructed obstacles or created blockades in elephant corridors, saying it was unacceptable.
Major opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and SP, boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die, while some opposition leaders attended a similar event in the Rajya Sabha.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya's comments recalling the role of non-Bengali communities during the 1946 communal riots and alleging past restrictions on Durga Puja have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the TMC, Congress, and CPI(M). Bhattacharya appealed for unity for peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, while opposition leaders accused him of divisive politics and distorting history.
Tamil Nadu Minister C T R Nirmal Kumar has rejected calls for an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka, citing a previously passed unanimous resolution in the Assembly. He accused DMK and Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar of working against Tamil Nadu's interests and criticised the DMK's "hasty" Supreme Court petition.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested two key suspects in the plot to murder West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's close aide Chandranath Rath, uncovering potential links to the functionary of a rival political party in the state, officials said on Friday.
Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has secured its first seat in the Bihar Assembly, with Kishor winning the Bankipur bypoll in his electoral debut, stunning the BJP in its long-held bastion.
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari has announced his resignation from the party, citing a lack of space for dedicated workers and alleging humiliation. He also claimed that Tejashwi Yadav is surrounded by elements "hollowing" the party.
The Akali Dal Waris Punjab De has announced Satwant Singh, son of Kehar Singh (convicted in Indira Gandhi's assassination conspiracy), as its candidate for the Bassi Pathana constituency in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. This move highlights the party's 'Panthic' principles and focus on families who sacrificed for the Sikh Panth.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced the suspension of Shiv Sena Palghar city president Rahul Gharat following an alleged assault on hospital staff, including a doctor, by party functionaries. The incident occurred at Relief Hospital in Palghar over a dispute concerning medical bills for Dahi Handi participants. Shinde condemned the violence, stating that such behaviour would not be tolerated and that grievances should be addressed through legal channels.
Tamil Nadu minister P Viswanathan on Friday said that Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be the prime ministerial candidate in the 2029 elections, while expressing confidence in the Congress' political position in the state.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the state government adheres to Central protocol for Vande Mataram recitation when the President, Vice-President, or Prime Minister attend official functions, despite his party's internal policy. This clarification follows a controversy and protests from the CPI(M) and SFI regarding the full rendition of the national song at a recent state event.
A new digital political phenomenon, the 'E20 Janta Party', is gaining traction on Instagram, mobilising Gen Z against the government's mandatory 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) and demanding Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's resignation.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has pledged to ensure justice for Nishu Azad's father, who was severely injured during protests at Jantar Mantar. Paswan has filed a formal complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who allegedly assaulted Azad's father and boasted about it, claiming political connections. Bhardwaj has since been detained. Paswan also called for an investigation into molestation allegations against a state minister from his party.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution, moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, urging the Centre to recognise Tamil as the principal language of the Madras High Court. The resolution highlights Tamil's classical status and the need for judgments to be available in the local language, while also addressing historical demands and constitutional provisions.
West Bengal could be the Bharatiya Janata Party's real test case of its business-friendly policies, points out Kanika Datta.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has accused the opposition DMK of organised corruption and illegal collection of "party funds" during its previous regime, citing Enforcement Directorate documents. The allegations, which named former CM M K Stalin and his deputy Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries, led to a major ruckus in the Assembly.
Ruling TVK legislators are advocating for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as their Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, a move dismissed by the Congress party which insists on Rahul Gandhi as their choice. This internal conflict within the alliance highlights a growing divide over national political ambitions.
AIMIM national spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar has joined the Congress party, criticising his former party for allegedly fighting opposition parties instead of the BJP. Waqar stated that the AIMIM's actions on the ground contradict its stated goal of removing the BJP, suggesting it inadvertently aids the ruling party.
Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha was dropped from the state cabinet, leading her to accuse Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of "blackmail politics." Surekha claims her removal was due to critical remarks made by her daughter against the CM and other party leaders, despite the Congress high command not favouring her ouster. She has written to top Congress leaders seeking intervention.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed district presidents at a training camp in Nashik, urging them to uphold party ideology and fight for justice. He also demonstrated martial arts and discussed various state issues with senior leaders, while BJP leaders protested his visit.
'Now the institutions which have the might of law invested in them think that whatever they do is right.'
The Lok Sabha stalemate is expected to conclude as Speaker Om Birla has secured an agreement from all political parties to discuss the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026. This bill proposes stricter punishments, including up to 10 years in jail and a Rs 50 lakh fine, for paper leak offences, following recent nationwide student protests over the NEET fiasco.
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has accused armed BJP men of vandalising the party's Camac Street office in Kolkata, damaging property and stealing items. The BJP has denied the allegations, calling them staged. The incident further intensifies the political confrontation between the two parties in West Bengal, following a recent dispute over a billboard at the same premises.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that Rahul Gandhi would lead the INDIA bloc in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, dismissing reports of TVK proposing C Joseph Vijay as a prime ministerial candidate. Venugopal highlighted Gandhi's widespread appeal and campaigns on key issues, while also addressing internal alliance differences and criticising the BJP government's actions.
More than a dozen Shiv Sena functionaries, including district and city unit chiefs and an MLA's son, have been booked for allegedly assaulting, abusing, and threatening hospital staff in Palghar. The incident occurred after 'govindas' injured during Dahi Handi celebrations were brought for treatment, and a dispute arose over medical bills. The NCP (SP) has condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the medical system and the rule of law, and demanded strict action.
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, despite strong objections from the Punjab government. The Mann government claimed the appointment bypassed constitutional norms and procedures, leading to a political tussle with the Centre, which defended the process.
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday said not a single "traitor", who crossed over to the dissident factions to "protect their backs", will be allowed to return to the party.
Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday dismissed the Bombay High Court's directive to the Central Bureau of Investigation to register an FIR in the Disha Salian death case, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running a smear campaign against him for the last six years.
The Goa government has decided not to introduce its anti-religious conversion bill during the ongoing monsoon session of the state assembly, following significant pushback from legislators representing the minority community.
The Delhi High Court has ruled that Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties are not liable for false details in electoral enumeration forms that cannot be personally verified. The court clarified that BLAs are only responsible for verifiable information, such as an elector's photograph, and struck down the Election Commission of India's mandate requiring BLAs to provide personal undertakings for all details.
Actor and politician S Devan, formerly the BJP's state vice-president, has announced his decision to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Devan cited a lack of "space" within the BJP and a desire for political change as reasons for his departure. He is expected to be offered the TVK state president post, with a formal announcement following a meeting on September 10.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has ended its protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border after receiving written assurances from the Punjab government. The government has pledged to convene a state Assembly session within a month to address issues concerning river waters, agriculture, and farmer loans, including resolutions against old water agreements and certain central bills.
A special NIA court in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district has convicted all 10 accused, including two women, in the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack case. The attack resulted in the deaths of 29 people, including senior Congress leaders, and was one of the deadliest incidents of Left Wing Extremism. The quantum of punishment will be announced on September 16.
