The Economic Times

Committee on Tribal Unity has announced a total shutdown in Kangpokpi district for 48 hours starting October 29. This action follows the alleged abduction of two Kuki youths from Taphou Kuki village. The committee demanded the immediate and safe release of the youths involved. It accused the government of bias towards Kuki-Zo people in security incidents. Agitation may intensify if the youths are not released unharmed.

Sanjay Gaikwad, a Shiv Sena MLA, made controversial remarks regarding the suicides of farmers in Maharashtra. He suggested that the funerals of farmers who kill themselves should be boycotted. Gaikwad believed this would deter others from taking similar actions due to the fate of their bodies. His comments were met with condemnation from other political leaders, emphasizing the need for sensitivity.

BJP and Shiv Sena are experiencing growing tensions following disappointing results in the MLC elections. The BJP holds Shiv Sena responsible for undermining their candidates through rebel actions during the campaign. Shiv Sena leaders counter this claim, arguing that BJP has lost touch with their constituents. There are calls within Sena for Eknath Shinde to return as chief minister following this setback.

BJP is seeking to take the debate beyond rallies by engaging citizens, students and youth on electoral reforms and the SIR exercise. The Opposition wants to change the regime through anarchy, but the people of India will reject the idea. They believe in a peaceful, democratic process, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.

Congress leaders said former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will symbolically preside over a mock impeachment of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at party president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on Friday, where Kharge will move a resolution and others, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will participate in the mock debate.

Rahul Gandhi has called on citizens to join the opposition INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Dilli' march on November 1. He emphasised the importance of this protest as a means to protect democracy and the Constitution. Congress leaders claim that there has been a significant deletion of names from electoral rolls, which undermines electoral integrity.

In the recent Legislative Council elections, the BJP secured 13 seats across multiple states including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Samajwadi Party and NCP followed with five and two seats respectively, while other parties earned one seat each. MLC elections differ significantly from Assembly elections, as they are not decided by a direct vote from the general public. Members are chosen through various categories, including local authorities and graduates constituencies.

PM Modi averted RCEP tragedy, Piyush Goyal explains why India stayed out of the deal

Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi defended the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in Karnataka. His defense contradicted concerns raised by Home Minister Priyank Kharge regarding irregularities in specific districts. Kharge highlighted issues like deceased individuals being incorrectly marked as living and bulk applications lacking verification. The opposition BJP capitalized on the discord, criticizing the Congress's contradiction of its leadership's claims.

Mamata Banerjee informed the Supreme Court that the new government can transfer the investigation to the CBI. The Enforcement Directorate sought an independent probe into the alleged interference in its operations. Banerjee's lawyer argued that with her departure as chief minister, there is no conflict of interest anymore. The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on whether the CBI should handle the investigation.

Pearl Kapur has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party as the Punjab elections approach. He aims to integrate artificial intelligence and data analytics into the party's digital outreach strategies. This move highlights the increasing importance of digital platforms in modern political campaigns.

Suvendu Adhikari emphasized the protection of cows in West Bengal during a public event while making clear his stance against cow slaughter. He pledged to deport illegal infiltrators and assured processing citizenship for Hindu refugees under the Citizenship Amendment Act. Adhikari asserted that no Hindu refugee should be imprisoned in the state, urging applications for citizenship. His administration is focused on preventing anti-national activities in border areas.

Nitin Nabin chaired a meeting with party national general secretaries at the BJP headquarters on Thursday to discuss organisational matters, the upcoming action plan and future programmes. Senior leaders, including B L Santhosh, Smriti Irani, Vinod Tawde and Sunil Bansal, attended the meeting.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) case arises from the CBI's FIR, which has alleged that Yadav entered into a criminal conspiracy with the owner of Sujata Hotels, Sarla Gupta, wife of his close associate Prem Chand Gupta, a Rashtriya Janata Dal MP in the Rajya Sabha, and IRCTC officials for undue pecuniary advantage to himself and others between 2004 and 2014.

The Centre assured the Delhi High Court that no demolition would occur at the Race Course Masjid. The court declined to allow the worshipper to offer namaz at the mosque, while addressing the case. The petitioner seeks protection for the mosque and access for worshippers amid reported restrictions. The matter will be further reviewed with a hearing scheduled for December 16.

Abhishek Banerjee has called for the interrogation of officials from the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee. Nineteen lives were lost in a stampede on October 17, raising concerns over the investigation. Banerjee questions the lack of accountability among committee leaders with political affiliations. The West Bengal government has set up a Special Investigation Team to investigate the incident thoroughly.

Abhijeet Wanjari won the Nagpur Division Graduates' Constituency seat against Sudhakar Kohale from the BJP. The election results were declared after an extensive 40-hour vote-counting process. Wanjari secured 67,231 votes while Kohale received 63,960 votes in this close contest. This victory indicates a shift from the traditional BJP stronghold to a Congress bastion in this constituency. The outcome signifies a continued trend of Congress winning similar elections in the region.

Congress has alleged that the SIR of electoral rolls is a conspiracy against Indian voters. The party claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are behind this manipulation. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the process for failing to identify significant numbers of foreign nationals among voters. The Election Commission has defended its actions but faced internal objections regarding the process.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded critically to actor Naseeruddin Shah's remarks regarding the education system. Shah expressed his support for Jamia Millia Islamia students and their protest to restore the student union. Rijiju labeled Shah as a 'dangerous urban dimagi naxal' and denounced his views on democracy as harmful. Additionally, Shah has publicly addressed student issues and criticized government actions in previous instances.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged citizens and students to join the November 1 protest in Delhi. The march aims to address alleged voter irregularities and safeguard India's Constitution. Gandhi emphasizes that this movement transcends party lines and seeks to unite everyone concerned with democracy. He reassures participants not to fear police action while encouraging widespread participation from various groups.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee raised concerns about the electoral legitimacy of the current BJP government in West Bengal. He urged the Supreme Court to restore the previous government and conduct fresh elections within six months. The Supreme Court is evaluating the Election Commission's handling of electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Banerjee emphasized the need to reinstate all eligible voters excluded from the rolls.

A clash between Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress workers occurred outside the Mankapur Indoor Stadium. This confrontation took place amid the vote counting for the Nagpur Graduates' Constituency. Police quickly intervened to control the situation and ensure safety and order. Both parties exchanged statements regarding the conduct and behavior towards each other. Security around the counting center was heightened to prevent further disturbances during the process.

Samajwadi Party achieved victories in five of the 11 seats contested in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections. The party secured wins in significant areas like Varanasi and Allahabad-Jhansi. Bharatiya Janata Party managed to retain six seats, including Bareilly-Moradabad and Lucknow Teachers' constituency. Political leaders from both sides accused each other of electoral malpractice during the elections.

PK Basheer also said that the preliminary enquiry was ordered as there were certain discrepancies in the probe conducted into the matter in 2006 by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).

Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the Delhi government's new home alcohol delivery scheme. He emphasized that this initiative seems to prioritize alcohol over important public services like healthcare. Bharadwaj called the plan a gift from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to women, which he deemed inappropriate. He threatened to demand the resignation of Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa if the policy is not rescinded promptly.

The BJP achieved victory in six out of eleven Legislative Council seats in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The Samajwadi Party secured three seats, with results still pending for the Lucknow graduates' constituency. BJP's candidates won in various categories, including teachers' and graduates' constituencies, with allegations of voter manipulation emerging. Disputes arose during counting, leading to questions regarding the election procedures and results delays.

Abhijeet Wanjari of the Congress party secured victory in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections from Nagpur. He defeated BJP candidate Sudhakar Kohale by a margin of 3,271 votes. The counting process extended over 40 hours and concluded in the early hours of Thursday. This win is significant as it reflects a setback for the BJP in their stronghold.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Tata group, accusing him of politicisation. She emphasised the government's support for Indian industry as key to economic growth and job creation. Sitharaman challenged Gandhi's remarks regarding legal matters connected to Tata Trusts and Tata Sons. In turn, Gandhi questioned the appropriateness of the political involvement in corporate conflicts.

Party leaders said Puri's diplomatic experience has proved valuable in handling the petroleum portfolio at a time when global conflicts and geopolitical tensions have put pressure on energy supplies. His continuation also ensures senior Sikh representation in the Union government ahead of the Punjab assembly elections.

On November 17, Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, must present himself physically at the Supreme Court regarding his comments on Chief Justice Surya Kant and the overall judiciary. Meanwhile, journalist Nikhil Wagle will attend the upcoming hearing via virtual connection after issuing an apology for his earlier social media remarks.

The recent Maharashtra Legislative Council elections resulted in the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Opposition MVA each winning two seats. In the Amravati teachers' constituency, Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Sarnaik won against Congress candidate Aditi Pohare. BJP's Kaustubh Gawade triumphed over incumbent Congress MLC Jayant Asgaonkar in the Pune teachers' constituency. NCP-SP's Harshada Deshmukh Jadhav defeated BJP's Smita Jadhav, causing upset within the BJP.

The BJP has responded to Congress's defeat in legislative council elections across several states and highlighted their inability to gain public support. BJP president Nitin Nabin pointed out that Congress received zero seats in Karnataka despite using ballot papers. Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised Rahul Gandhi, stating that earning public support requires hard work, not simply leisure trips. The results showed that Congress also failed in elections held using EVMs.

Results were declared in all but one seat - Nagpur Graduates' constituency in Maharashtra which is heading for a nail-biting finish involving BJP candidate Sudhakar Kohale and Congress' sitting MLC Abhijeet Wanjari.

Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened a series of meetings in Dibrugarh, concentrating on securing land rights for indigenous peoples. The gatherings highlighted challenges related to land distribution for tribal families, particularly within the Moran and Matak communities. To aid in resolving these issues, youth will receive training for online applications, reinforcing initiatives aimed at preserving and respecting the land ownership of tribes in Upper Assam.

Union Minister of State V Somanna highlighted the Congress party's failure in recent Legislative Council elections across multiple states. He pointed out that Congress did not secure any seats in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, or Uttar Pradesh. Somanna used these results to challenge Congress's claims regarding electronic voting machines and alleged electoral fraud. The outcomes are perceived as a negative reflection on the Congress government in Karnataka.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary responded to BJP's criticism regarding representation in the expanded Cabinet. Choudhary emphasised that the government will ensure fairness for all regions, including the Chenab Valley. He criticised BJP leaders for making political statements instead of assisting with project approvals. Choudhary inspected various infrastructure projects during his visit and assured ongoing support despite financial challenges.

In a notable political maneuver in Meghalaya, three MLAs from the United Democratic Party transitioned to the National People's Party, enhancing NPPs MLAs to thirty-six. This follows eight UDP MLAs joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, leading to a considerable reduction in UDP's influence. The Speaker of the Assembly validated these mergers, reshaping the political landscape as attention turns to the 2028 Assembly elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Congress party for not winning any seats in recent elections. Despite their demands for ballot papers, Congress failed to secure positions in the Legislative Council. The elections took place in four major states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka. BJP gained five seats in Uttar Pradesh alone, while Congress did not win any.

The NDA's recent victory in the Legislative Council elections has strengthened the BJP-JD(S) alliance's confidence. Leader of Opposition R Ashok expressed optimism for winning over 150 seats in the next Assembly elections. Ashok credited the victory to efforts from BJP and JD(S) leaders, emphasising coordinated campaigning strategies. He noted that the election results indicated public dissatisfaction with the Congress government.

Priyank Kharge from the Congress stated that the party would introspect following their losses in Karnataka Legislative Council seats. The JD(S) won the Bengaluru Teachers' Constituency and BJP retained three other constituencies. Kharge asserted that the elections did not reflect the government's performance and emphasized the need for organizational strengthening. He also mentioned concerns over electoral roll irregularities and called for transparency in elections.

A Delhi magistrate court has adjourned a hearing on a plea regarding Sonia Gandhi's electoral roll inclusion. This inclusion occurred three years prior to her acquiring Indian citizenship in 1983. A previous dismissal of the complaint called it legally untenable was challenged by Advocate Vikas Tripathi. Following this, a sessions court remanded the issue back to the magistrates court for fresh proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for November 6.

Congress faced a setback in the Legislative Council elections as the BJP and JD(S) won all four seats. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged the loss, promising a review of the party's strategy. The defeats are seen as a warning signal ahead of upcoming city corporation elections and the 2028 assembly polls. Senior BJP officials attributed their success to voters' dissatisfaction with Congress's unfulfilled promises.

The Karnataka High Court has issued a ruling preventing the state government from taking action against broadcasters. This relates to a 2% welfare cess imposed on television operators and other entities. Justice HT Narendra Prasad directed the state government to respond to petitions challenging the cess. The broadcasters argue that they differ fundamentally from cinema theatres in their operations.

Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, confirmed his appearance in the Supreme Court for contempt proceedings. The Supreme Court directed Raut to appear personally on November 17 regarding his remarks. Earlier, show-cause notices were issued to Raut and journalist Nikhil Wagle by the apex court. These notices were related to a contempt plea filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Rahul Gandhi for alleging the Tata group was being criminally destroyed. She accused him of politicizing issues and undermining Indian entrepreneurs. Sitharaman emphasized that the Modi government supports industry as a driving force for growth and investment. She also stated that the Congress party's policies contributed to poverty and restricted enterprise. Sitharaman urged Gandhi to engage constructively instead of making baseless allegations for political advant

MLC election results 2026: The BJP, Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), RJD and other parties are battling for seats in the Legislative Councils of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Maharashtra. While the BJP and its allies have secured key victories in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, the SP and RJD have also registered wins. Check the state-wise MLC winners list, party-wise performance and latest updates on results and counting in all four states.

The BJP has released a song declaring Modi kahin nahi jaayega amid its escalating social media battle with the Congress over Mallikarjun Kharges controversial baap remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several BJP leaders and Union ministers shared the video, while the Congress countered with posts accusing the government of vote theft ahead of the INDIA blocs November 1 rally in Delhi.