The Economic Times

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra's claims of egg-throwing at her party office, attributing the incident to internal TMC disputes. He urged Moitra to engage with constituents directly. This follows Moitra sharing a video alleging BJP supporters attacked her Krishnanagar office, with Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee condemning the act and questioning police inaction.

The ten-member delegation, which comprises the newly-formed National Working Committee, reached Delhi on Wednesday to meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the other election commissioners to stake its claim on Trinamool's symbol and funds. The meeting with ECI will be tomorrow afternoon. We are the real Trinamool and we have the numbers. Three accounts have already been frozen, a senior dissident MLA told ET on condition of anonymity.

The BJP has strongly criticized Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for his dismissive remarks about party chief Nitin Nabin. BJP leaders accused Reddy of arrogance and reflecting the Congress party's dynastic culture. They stated Reddy's ignorance of Nabin's name shows his unfitness for political discourse and stems from fear of the BJP's 'Congress-free Telangana' call, which has energized the party cadre.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a QR code for crowdfunding, 'PDA Swabhiman Sahyog,' on his birthday. This initiative aims for transparent fund collection and deeper connection with ground-level workers, especially from the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) community. The party seeks minimum 20 contributions to boost public participation and strengthen its organization, echoing a socialist formula to reduce reliance on industrialist funding.

Parliament is set to debate the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming monsoon session. The bill, aimed at 'decriminalising politics,' proposes disqualifying elected officials from office if arrested and held in judicial custody for 30 days for serious offenses. While the core provision is likely to be retained, the joint parliamentary committee may suggest safeguards against misuse and clarify the nature of offenses covered.

Iran has extended an invitation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with leaders Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera, for the upcoming burial ceremonies of its late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These significant events are scheduled to take place across Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad from July 5 to 9.

Jammu and Kashmir leaders Mehbooba Mufti and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have urged India and Pakistan to resume dialogue, emphasizing its role in resolving regional issues. They highlighted potential 'Track II' diplomacy and noted RSS support for talks. Mufti stressed PM Modi's opportunity to transform J&K into a peace bridge, while Mirwaiz drew parallels with Iran-US negotiations, advocating for peace and prosperity through improved bilateral relations.

Samajwadi Party workers celebrated Akhilesh Yadav's birthday by unveiling a poster depicting him as Lord Krishna holding the Constitution. Party leaders stated this symbolised Yadav's commitment to justice and righteousness. The BJP criticised the act as an insult to Sanatan Dharma and demanded an apology, accusing the SP of religious appeasement. Workers also performed a 'havan' praying for justice and righteousness to prevail in society.

Karnataka officials are conducting a large-scale verification of free power scheme beneficiaries to ensure eligibility, as the state grapples with rising subsidy costs. The drive, which began July 1, seeks details like Aadhaar and PAN cards, drawing criticism from the BJP who allege it's a ploy to reduce beneficiaries. Chief Minister Shivakumar aims to limit benefits to genuine residents amidst financial strain.

Senior AIADMK leaders and former Tamil Nadu Ministers C Vijayabaskar and MR Vijayabaskar announced that they will be joining the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on July 2, marking a significant political development in the state's evolving political landscape.

Over 100 prominent figures from India and Pakistan, including former CMs Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have penned an open letter urging Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue. The appeal calls for restoring full diplomatic ties, resuming trade, and reopening cross-border transport links. Signatories emphasize sustained engagement as the sole path to resolving differences and fostering peace and prosperity in South Asia for nearly two billion people.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra alleged BJP workers hurled eggs and shouted slogans during a protest outside an MLA's residence in Nadia, West Bengal. Moitra, attending a party meeting, claimed law and order has collapsed and the police are inactive. This follows a similar incident in June where BJP workers allegedly attempted to target her outside a court. Moitra vowed to pursue legal action against those involved.

Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution demanding the Centre withdraw proposed FCRA amendments, citing severe impacts on voluntary and charitable organizations. Legislators argued the changes would undermine autonomy, restrict democratic functioning, and create practical hurdles for crucial social, health, and educational work. Concerns were raised about government control over assets and potential misuse of provisions against grassroots initiatives.

Kerala's Assembly witnessed a boycott by the LDF opposition after the Speaker disallowed their objection to the Finance Bill. The opposition argued the bill, proposing significant liquor tax cuts, bypassed crucial committee scrutiny. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan defended the move, stating all procedures were followed and referencing a Business Advisory Committee report.

The Cockroach Janata Party's protest at Jantar Mantar continues, with activist Sonam Wangchuk on day four of his hunger strike. Students associated with AISA are also fasting, with some reporting deteriorating health, including low blood sugar and blood pressure. Concerns are mounting over alleged examination system irregularities and a lack of government response, prompting calls for accountability.

Kerala Assembly saw a heated debate as the opposition LDF walked out, accusing Chief Minister V D Satheesan of misleading the House regarding reduced plan fund allocations to local bodies. Satheesan cited financial constraints and the previous LDF government's budgeting as reasons for the cuts, while the opposition blamed the current government and highlighted unspent balances. The adjournment motion was ultimately disallowed.

The BJP has strongly criticized Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for his remarks on party national president Nitin Nabin. Reddy had compared the BJP's prospects in Telangana to its long struggle in West Bengal. The BJP spokesperson labeled Reddy as arrogant and obsequious, predicting his party's defeat in the upcoming state elections due to his perceived arrogance and sycophancy.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir was elected unopposed as the deputy chairman of the Maharashtra legislative council, representing the ruling Mahayuti. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi initially fielded a candidate but withdrew it on appeal. Ahir's nomination as a Mahayuti candidate, a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, marks a significant development, following recent defections of Lok Sabha MPs to the Shinde-led faction.

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has reportedly written to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, alleging neglect and non-cooperation regarding development projects in his home district, Indore. The letter, shared by the state Congress, warns of public platform action if issues like delays in the master plan and regional development are not addressed. Vijayvargiya declined to comment on the letter's authenticity, while the opposition cited it as evidence of BJP infighting.

On Doctors' Day, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari criticized previous governments for leaving West Bengal's public healthcare system in a dilapidated state. He highlighted the poor condition of state-run hospitals and called for a unified effort to revive the health infrastructure. Adhikari noted encountering administrative decay when trying to implement new initiatives, contrasting his situation with that of former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

Arvind Kejriwal has questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah's absence from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, alleging the BJP uses Lord Ram for votes but fails to visit the shrine. Kejriwal pointed out that despite the temple's establishment, Shah has not visited, posing several questions about his faith and intentions. This comes amidst a political controversy surrounding alleged donation irregularities at the temple, with an FIR filed against eight individuals.

Police have been deployed outside Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir's Worli residence following his nomination for the Maharashtra Legislative Council deputy chairperson post as the ruling Shiv Sena's candidate. Ahir, a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, filed his papers in the presence of top Mahayuti leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.

The Delhi High Court has mandated the removal of certain social media posts that were directed at MP Raghav Chadha, concluding that the remaining material does not hold defamatory implications. In this temporary ruling, the court noted that the issue of personality rights was not relevant. Chadha had requested judicial action against misleading content, including AI-generated and deepfake materials that he argued harmed his reputation. A comprehensive decision is forthcoming.

DMK chief M.K. Stalin has formed a 10-member advisory panel to overhaul the party's structure following recent election results. This move comes after reviewing feedback from cadres and approximately six lakh online opinions, processed by AI. The panel will recommend changes from branch to apex levels to rejuvenate the party and prepare for future victories.

The Calcutta High Court has denied Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee's request to avoid providing voice samples to the CID. The samples are needed for an investigation into alleged violence-inciting remarks made during a campaign rally. Justice Trithankar Ghosh noted Banerjee already has interim protection from arrest, deeming further protection unnecessary. The judge also recused himself from the case.

Twenty-three opposition parties presented a joint memorandum to the Chief Justice of India, alleging irregularities and ias by the Election Commission during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The parties claim the exercise is partisan and leads to mass disenfranchisement, particularly affecting weaker sections. This appeal to the judiciary aims to highlight concerns about the integrity of India's electoral system amidst ongoing opposition disarray.

A significant blow has struck Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena as prominent leader Sachin Ahir defected to the Eknath Shinde-led faction. Ahir's move directly challenges Aaditya Thackeray's stronghold in Worli, a constituency he previously helped secure. This development, following the recent switch of six Lok Sabha MPs, signals a growing shift in political loyalties within Maharashtra.

Congress leaders, including UP chief Ajay Rai, were detained Tuesday en route to Ayodhya's Ram temple, where they intended to offer prayers and probe alleged donation fraud. The party demanded the arrest and interrogation of prominent trust members like Champat Rai and Nripendra Misra, citing reports of embezzlement and land scams. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate highlighted the trust's alleged violation of donation counting procedures and lack of receipts for devotees.

Congress MP KC Venugopal has lodged a breach of privilege notice against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Venugopal alleges Singh misled Parliament by previously stating no Indian soldiers died during Operation Sindoor. This claim, he argues, is contradicted by the recent official acknowledgment of six soldiers martyred in the operation, constituting a contempt of the house.

Karnataka kicked off its special voter enumeration initiative on Tuesday, led by CM Shivakumar, who unveiled permanent residence certificates targeted at new voters. Authorities emphasised that unregistered individuals might miss out on welfare benefits.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath used the 'Rampuri chaku' metaphor to criticize the Samajwadi Party, alleging they misused power to seize land and exploit citizens. He asserted that under the BJP's governance, the same symbol now represents security and development. Adityanath highlighted the state's transformation since 2017, emphasizing improved law and order, economic growth, and revival of traditional industries.

The Aam Aadmi Party has criticized the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for electoral rolls in Delhi, labeling it as on-transparent. AAP's Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj highlighted the party's past requests for deleted voter names and addresses, which were denied, preventing verification of residency. The month-long voter list verification drive has begun, with over 13,000 booth-level officers distributing forms across the capital.

The Cockroach Janata Party's protest at Jantar Mantar enters its eleventh day amidst allegations of heavy police restrictions on supporters. Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is deteriorating on his hunger strike, with his blood sugar dropping significantly. The CJP founder also raised concerns about exam paper leaks, questioning the government's competence. Students from AISA are also participating in an indefinite hunger strike, demanding accountability and reforms in the education system.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Shakir Ali, husband of former TMC MP Aparupa Poddar and a local leader, in connection with the 2023 Ram Navami violence in Rishra, Hooghly. Simultaneously, the CBI apprehended Khalid-Uz-Zaman, a proclaimed offender, in Maharashtra for a 2021 post-poll violence case in West Bengal. These actions highlight ongoing investigations into significant incidents of unrest in the state.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has accused the BJP of Ram-droh (treason against Lord Ram) over alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations, comparing it to historical temple lootings. He linked this to the alleged house arrest of UP Congress chief Ajay Rai, suggesting Rai was stopped from exposing corruption.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti alleged that the NC government placed party leaders and workers under house arrest to suppress protests against alleged ackdoor appointments in government jobs. Mufti accused the administration of hypocrisy, highlighting its swift action against dissent while claiming helplessness on accountability. Police reportedly foiled a PDP protest march in Srinagar against the alleged outsourcing of recruitment.

Karnataka's Chief Electoral Officer has initiated a door-to-door drive to distribute voter enumeration forms across the state, urging citizens to return them by July 29. The process aims to update electoral rolls, with forms being delivered even to unmapped voters. No documents are required at this stage, and photograph submission is optional. New voters turning 18 by October 1, 2026, are encouraged to enroll.

In a significant political development, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sachin Ahir has filed his nomination for the Maharashtra legislative council's deputy chairman post, representing the Eknath Shinde-led faction. This unexpected move, occurring shortly after several MPs defected, sees Ahir aligning with the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

Twenty-three political parties, including INDIA bloc members, AAP, and DMK, have jointly written to the Chief Justice of India concerning the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and other election-related matters. The opposition's move highlights their reliance on the judiciary when other avenues are exhausted, appealing to its conscience amidst concerns about democratic processes. This collaborative effort underscores a unified stance on electoral integrity.

Karnataka is issuing permanent residence certificates during the Election Commission's voter enumeration drive to ensure eligible citizens are included. While supporting electoral roll revision, the state government has raised concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement under the current process. Home Minister Priyank Kharge urged the ECI to address these issues, demanding transparency, independent reviews, and safeguards for vulnerable groups.

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy has firmly opposed the Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal, asserting it infringes upon minority personal laws and religious sentiments. He accused the BJP of communalizing the issue. Roy clarified that while TMC supported the triple talaq abolition, they reject the UCC, emphasizing the importance of preserving generational personal laws for Muslims and Christians.

Karnataka has launched a door-to-door house enumeration for electoral roll purification, aiming for a flawless voter list. The state government has also notified comprehensive guidelines for issuing Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs), establishing a uniform and transparent mechanism. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urged all eligible voters to participate, warning of potential loss of voting rights and welfare benefits if forms are not submitted.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said that a joint letter has been sent to the Chief Justice of India by opposition parties raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the Election Commission of India and other election-related issues.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of silence regarding alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations, calling it an assault on religious faith. This follows the arrest of UP Congress chief Ajay Rai while en route to Ayodhya. Rai alleged the UP government is offering thieves and condemned the arrest as BJP's dictatorship.

The ruling NDA has significantly bolstered its Rajya Sabha numbers, inching closer to a two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. With potential support from regional parties and expected gains in upcoming by-elections, the alliance is poised to overcome the current deficit. However, the Lok Sabha presents a different picture, with the NDA still far from achieving a similar supermajority.

A nationwide political push is underway by the Prajapati community, aiming to consolidate its nine-crore population for greater electoral influence. The Prajapati Community Service Foundation is demanding proportionate ticket allocation from major parties for upcoming state and national elections. The organisation is actively training political aspirants and seeks to translate demographic strength into legislative representation, highlighting perceived underrepresentation despite their widesprea

Karnataka's ruling Congress party is approaching the Election Commission's house-to-house voter revision exercise with caution, suspecting potential BJP interference. Home Minister Priyank Kharge said that no voter should lose their franchise due to minor errors. The party is actively campaigning to educate its supporters, particularly vulnerable groups, about the process.

West Bengal has enacted a new law, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, allowing for preventive detention of up to 12 months without trial. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated the bill aims to combat riots and violence, and recover property damage costs. He assured the assembly that the legislation, targeting 'goondas,' would not be misused politically.