The Economic Times

The Bharatiya Janata Party has criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for removing Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva stated that while the removal was an internal party matter, preventing Chadha from speaking in Parliament was wrong.

Congress criticizes the government's special parliamentary session. They claim the session aims to pass women's reservation and delimitation bills for political advantage in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu polls. Congress states this move violates the model code of conduct. They suggest the government is acting hastily to influence elections. Opposition leaders will strategize on this matter.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced that all employees, including daily wage and casual workers, will be entitled to a paid holiday on polling days for the upcoming General Elections and bye-elections this month.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj made a statement about fear and defeat. This followed party MP Raghav Chadha's removal as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Chadha stated he was silenced, not defeated. He questioned the decision and highlighted his work on public issues. Chadha vowed to speak out when the time is right.

Nitish Kumar will step down as Bihar Chief Minister on April 13. This follows his resignation from the legislative council. Kumar was elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16. Constitutional rules require him to vacate one seat within 14 days. Government formation will begin after his resignation. This marks a significant political development in Bihar.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha has been replaced as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Chadha stated he was silenced, not defeated, after the decision. Party leaders deny claims of preventing him from speaking. This development follows Chadha's absence from key party events and signals potential strain within AAP.

A tragic road accident on the KMP Expressway in Sonipat, Haryana, claimed the lives of Punjab Congress leader Khushbaz Singh Jatana and his driver. Their vehicle was struck by a speeding truck while they were changing a flat tyre. A gunman and another individual assisting were injured in the incident. The family has been informed.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and opposition leader Mehbooba Mufti have called for an investigation into the death of Rashid Ahmad Mughal. Mughal's family stated he was not a militant. The Army reported eliminating a terrorist during an operation. Mughal's family filed a complaint with the police.

The Aam Aadmi Party has removed Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Ashok Mittal has been appointed to the position. Chadha's removal follows reports of intra-party disagreements. The party has also asked the secretariat not to allot speaking time to Chadha in the House. This development raises questions about Chadha's future within the AAP.

Assam: The Congress manifesto talked about transparent land records, revenue, and taxation system.Priority to local people in jobs and government contracts.Immediate flood relief and initiation of erosion control measures.Fast-track recruitment to fill vacancies in hospitals and schools.

Raghav Chadha has been removed as the Aam Aadmi Party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. The party informed the Upper House secretariat of the change. This development follows reports of an internal rift between Chadha and the party leadership. Chadha shared a video of his speeches on X with an evil eye emoji.

Assam polls: Shah addressed an election rally in Kaliabor in support of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate and minister Keshab Mahanta ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls.

Taking a swipe at the Opposition YSRCPs three-capital proposal, Nara Lokesh argued that the hree capitals model was a fiscal disaster in the making. The cost of governance will be prohibitively high with three capitals, said Lokesh.

Assam election: Reacting to BJP's claim that AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal can never become Chief Minister, Owaisi said the debate should not be reduced to individual ambition.

In a significant development for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, 21 constituencies will see contests without the traditional DMKs Rising Sun or AIADMKs Two Leaves symbols. With allies contesting under their own symbols, smaller players like TVK and NTK could capitalise on the fragmented field.

Ashok Mittal, AAP's new deputy leader in Rajya Sabha, calls Raghav Chadha's removal a normal party process. Mittal has no knowledge of Chadha joining the BJP. He assures Chadha will get speaking time in the Rajya Sabha. Mittal emphasizes AAP's democratic nature and states the party will decide Chadha's role in upcoming Punjab polls.

The Delhi High Court has given a final chance to Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and others to reply to the Enforcement Directorate's request. The ED wants the court to remove critical remarks made by a trial court judge. These remarks were made when the judge discharged the individuals in the liquor policy case.

DMK President Mr. M K Stalin launched a focused campaign in Trichy on Wednesday, characterizing AIADMK General Secretary Mr. Edappadi K Palaniswami as a complete Sanghi while maintaining a strategic silence regarding TVK President Mr. Vijay. Despite the TVK chief contesting from Trichy East and consistently targeting the DMK in his speeches, the Chief Minister opted to ignore the rhetoric, focusing instead on the AIADMKs past support for the CAA.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated a significant bill will be introduced soon. The government plans to reconvene Parliament for this important legislation. Discussions are underway with opposition parties. This move could lead to increased Lok Sabha seats and operationalize women's reservation. The government is committed to fulfilling its promise on women's reservation.

The Aam Aadmi Party has made significant changes in the Rajya Sabha. MP Raghav Chadha will no longer get speaking time in Parliament. The party has formally communicated this to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. MP Ashok Mittal will now serve as the new Deputy Leader of AAP in the Upper House.

M K Stalin accused the NDA of betrayals during a rally, alleging that MSMEs were hit during the West Asia crisis and weavers were not protected from US tariffs. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief also criticised the NDA over issues such as NEET and the CAA, and attacked the AIADMK-BJP alliance.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh demanded clarity from the government in the Rajya Sabha regarding the House's adjournment. He expressed concern over unhealthy media speculation and secrecy surrounding the schedule, urging for an explanation on whether it would be adjourned to a later date or sine die. Leader of the House J P Nadda assured a response.

The Rajya Sabha approved the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026. This legislation allows Indian Police Service officers to occupy a significant percentage of senior positions within the Central Armed Police Forces. Opposition members walked out, citing concerns about fairness and promotion opportunities for CAPF officers.

The government has postponed the Foreign Contribution (Amendment) Regulation Bill in the Lok Sabha. Opposition MPs protested the bill, demanding its withdrawal. The bill's provisions could impact charitable work. This move comes ahead of the Kerala assembly elections. The BJP is trying to appeal to the Christian community in Kerala.

The Election Commission of India has changed its rules on party symbols. This benefits alliance partners in upcoming state elections. Parties like AMMK in Tamil Nadu, Twenty20 in Kerala, and ISF in West Bengal can now keep their common symbols. The new rule requires only 1% vote share in one of the last two elections.

Parliament's budget session will not conclude on Thursday. It is planned to resume in the third week of April for a few days. The government intends to introduce a bill to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816. This expansion will reserve 273 seats for women.

BJP MLA A.L. Hek has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a consultative review of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. He expressed serious apprehensions about the bill's implications for the non-profit sector, particularly its impact on operational viability and autonomy. Hek emphasized the crucial role of non-profits in nation-building and called for a balanced regulatory framework.

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill to make Amaravati the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. This move follows a discussion and a walkout by the YSRCP. The bill amends the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The Congress supported the bill, demanding central funding for Amaravati. The TDP called it a milestone.

Gujarat will hold elections for Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, District Panchayats, and Taluka Panchayats on April 26. Nominations open April 6 and close April 11. Results will be declared on April 28. These elections are significant for the ruling BJP and the Congress party.

A Delhi court has convicted Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti in a cheating case. The court found Bharti and another accused guilty of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery. They conspired to defraud a bank by continuing to draw higher interest rates beyond the initial fixed deposit period. The forgery of bank documents was central to the scheme.

Lok Sabha witnessed a debate on the Jan Vishwas bill. The ruling BJP highlighted its role in decriminalising minor offences for ease of business. The opposition Congress raised concerns, stating the bill could promote corruption and weaken the rule of law.

Senior Supreme Court advocate H S Phoolka, known for his work with 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims, has joined the BJP. He stated the BJP consistently supported his legal battles for justice. Phoolka believes only the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi can address Punjab's current crises, including law and order and corruption.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi faces a trial after the Kerala High Court dismissed his plea. The court rejected his challenge to an election petition filed against him. The petition alleges corrupt practices during his campaign. Gopi, a BJP leader, won the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat in 2024. This decision means he must now defend himself in court over the allegations.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Modi government for allegedly wrecking economic policies and burdening citizens with global fuel volatility. He highlighted significant price hikes in commercial LPG, aviation fuel, essential medicines, and toll taxes, calling it highway robbery amid West Asia tensions.

A new bill to regulate foreign contributions has sparked a political clash. The ruling BJP defends the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing national security. Opposition parties strongly condemn the proposed law, arguing it will restrict minority rights and tighten government control over NGOs. Protests have erupted in Parliament.

A bill to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh was introduced and passed by voice vote in the Lok Sabha. Moved by Nityanand Rai, the legislation seeks to amend the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act to give statutory backing to Amaravati as the capital from June 2, 2024, following a resolution by the state assembly.

Upper Assam's election campaign centers on identity. The BJP government highlights its role in defending Assamese identity through land rights and eviction drives. Congress faces challenges with waning influence among tribal and tea garden communities. Several key constituencies feature contests between established parties and new entrants, shaping the political landscape for the upcoming polls.

The north bank of the Brahmaputra river is witnessing a fierce electoral battle. Key voter communities like Bodo and tea tribes are central to the contest. Alliances are shifting, with former Congress members joining new parties. Political analysts suggest that internal party dissent could influence outcomes in several constituencies.

Leander Paes' move to BJP highlights sportspersons entering politics. Many have achieved ministerial roles or electoral victories. Others faced electoral defeats and are still navigating their political careers. This article examines prominent athletes who have made the shift, detailing their journeys and outcomes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kaynes Technology semiconductor plant in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a significant step in India's semiconductor journey. He highlighted the rapid development of the nation's semiconductor ecosystem and the 'Make in India, Make for the World' mantra. The facility's production of Intelligent Power Modules for export signifies India's growing role in the global supply chain.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the FCRA amendment Bill aims to safeguard national security and interests by preventing the misuse of foreign funding. He dismissed claims by Congress and Left parties that the bill targets religious organizations as false and fabricated.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acquitted AAP MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura and seven others. They were convicted in a 2013 molestation and assault case. The court allowed a petition following a compromise between the parties. The FIR registered in 2013 under IPC and SC/ST Act has been quashed. The complainant woman and the accused reached an amicable resolution.

Parliament saw a debate on tackling Left-Wing Extremism. Government members pointed to a significant reduction in violence. Opposition leaders urged caution, emphasizing the need for continued socio-economic development alongside security measures. They highlighted past efforts and called for a balanced approach to fully eradicate the issue.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has resigned from the legislative council. This move clears the path for a new state government. The NDA is set to form the new government. A meeting of NDA leaders will discuss the cabinet formula. Sources indicate the next Chief Minister will be from the BJP. The process for government formation begins now.