The Economic Times

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai is reportedly set to resign from the party in the coming days after meetings with senior leaders in Delhi. Sources suggest he is preparing for a new political journey, potentially launching his own party, amid reported differences over the BJP's strategy in Tamil Nadu.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is under pressure to step down. This follows a Supreme Court ordered CBI probe into corruption allegations against his family. State BJP leaders are defending Khandu. They state no leadership change will occur during the investigation. The opposition Congress demands Khandu's resignation.

After destroying the credibility of exams from NEET and UGC NET to CUET and CBSE, hollowing out UGC funding, shutting schools and pushing India's education system into chaos, will PM Modi finally fix accountability or continue shielding failure? Dharmendra Pradhan must resign immediately as Union education minister..., said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera at a party presser.

BJP President Nitin Nabin led a five-hour meeting with national office-bearers. The party is focusing on expanding its reach among the youth. Strategies were firmed up to deepen engagement with women, Dalits, tribals, and professionals. Strengthening booth-level machinery and grassroots outreach were stressed. Preparations for upcoming assembly polls were also reviewed.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar victim, will continue serving as a legislator. She expressed no disappointment over not being included in the council of ministers. Her political journey began with a demand for justice for her daughter. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expanded his ministry on Monday. Debnath and Rekha Patra were not inducted.

Assam's Chief Minister engaged in a crucial dialogue with Union Ministers to revitalize the state's energy sector. Key discussions revolved around expanding oil and gas exploration and enhancing production methodologies. Opportunities for Free Trade Agreements aimed at uplifting small businesses and agricultural communities were also on the table.

Mamata Banerjee alleges an organized attempt to weaken the Trinamool Congress through intimidation and misuse of state machinery. She plans a dharna and calls for national protests, vowing not to bow to pressure. Banerjee asserts the party's strength lies with its workers and that attempts to divide them will fail, emphasizing democratic resistance over infrastructure.

Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu faces pressure to resign following a Supreme Court-ordered CBI probe into corruption allegations against his family. The BJP leadership defends Khandu, stating no leadership change will occur during the ongoing investigation. The Congress party insists Khandu must step down, citing a conflict of interest.

In Karnataka, an intriguing audio recording has surfaced, allegedly outlining strategies to thwart a Congress candidate's success. Senior Congress figure BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan finds himself at the center of these claims.

Taking a firm stance, Karnataka's Chief Minister designate DK Shivakumar vows to protect the state's cricketing interests. The recent decision to shift the IPL 2026 finals from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad has ignited a commitment to action.

Kalita Majhi, a former domestic worker, has taken oath as a minister in the West Bengal government. This marks a significant rise for the 37-year-old. Majhi represents the Ausgram Assembly constituency. She won the recent Assembly elections defeating her Trinamool Congress rival. Majhi expressed gratitude to her party for the opportunity.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers protested in New Delhi. They demanded the resignation of senior officers. This action followed a building collapse in Saket. The incident claimed six lives. Party workers gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner's office. They raised slogans and carried placards. They alleged inaction on illegal construction. The collapse occurred near Saket Metro Station.

The Trinamool Congress has expelled two of its MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee. The party cited anti-party activities and involvement in the fake signature case as reasons. The expulsion order was issued by the party's competent authority. Both MLAs failed to attend party meetings and made statements prejudicial to the party's interests.

Industrialist Arun Lakhani, Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate for the Chandrapur-Wardha-Gadchiroli seat, asserts politics and family ties are distinct. His son is set to marry Supriya Sule's daughter soon. Lakhani expresses confidence in winning the Maharashtra legislative council elections. Congress criticizes the BJP's choice of candidates. Elections are scheduled for June 18 across local authorities' constituencies.

Around 80 lakh women in Maharashtra are no longer eligible for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. This follows an e-KYC deadline, with the government citing non-compliance with eligibility criteria. Opposition parties allege this reflects a severe financial crisis in the state. The government states the beneficiary count dropped from 2.4 crore to 1.7 crore.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, will arrive in Delhi on June 6. He plans to launch a peaceful protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke calls on supporters and students to join him at the airport and then proceed to seek permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar.

A fire erupted on the second floor of the Ministry of Education office in central Delhi. The blaze has been controlled, and no injuries were reported. The Congress party has expressed concern, labeling the incident as 'very fishy'. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Fire services responded promptly to the scene.

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee will inform Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about the alleged attack on him on Saturday. He plans to take legal action. Banerjee was reportedly hit with bricks, stones and eggs while visiting families affected by post-poll violence. He sustained an eye injury and blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Five individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.

BJP leader and Leader of Opposition, Jairam Thakur, hailed victory in three of four municipal corporation elections. He stated people want to uproot the Congress government. Chief Minister Sukvinder Singh Sukhu rejected these claims. He asserted Congress led in overall urban local body elections. The results are seen as a precursor to upcoming assembly polls.

The BJP's Central Election Committee met at the Prime Minister's residence to finalize Maharashtra MLC candidates, review organizational preparedness, and discuss pending appointments. Key discussions included forming the Uttar Pradesh team ahead of assembly elections and potential cabinet expansions in Assam and West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's government expanded significantly on Monday. Thirty-five new ministers took their oath, bringing the total Council of Ministers to 41 members. Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oaths at Nabanna. This expansion follows the initial swearing-in of Adhikari and five other BJP MLAs on May 9. The state assembly allows for a maximum of 44 ministers.

Karnataka's Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar and caretaker Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are heading to Delhi for crucial talks with the Congress high command. Discussions will focus on cabinet positions and other political matters. New faces are expected in the upcoming cabinet. A new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president will also be appointed. The swearing-in ceremony is set for June 3rd.

Assam's council of ministers is set for an expansion on June 5, nearly a month after the BJP's decisive election victory. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who took oath with four others on May 12, has been in Delhi discussing the cabinet's composition. New faces are expected, with regional representation a key consideration for the 18-member council.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar faces a significant political challenge. His approval of Adani Enterprises' bid for a major tunnel road project in Bengaluru is under scrutiny. This comes amid Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's strong opposition to the Adani group. The project, a pet initiative of Shivakumar, is crucial for Bengaluru's infrastructure development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top BJP leaders to begin significant organizational changes. The party is preparing for upcoming Rajya Sabha and Maharashtra MLC elections. Discussions also covered organizational preparedness and pending appointments. This exercise signals a recalibration of the party's machinery. Cabinet expansions in Assam and West Bengal are also expected soon.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will meet National Conference legislators on June 3. The meeting at his Gupkar residence will focus on Cabinet expansion and governance matters. Legislators will share perspectives on ministerial performance and public welfare. The NC-led coalition government's achievements and areas needing improvement will be discussed.

Karnataka's new Congress government is preparing its cabinet. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge stated no proposals for ministers or deputy chief ministers have been received. CM-designate DK Shivakumar and outgoing CM Siddaramaiah are finalizing lists. Discussions with central leadership are scheduled for Monday. The cabinet formation is anticipated to be a prolonged affair.

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul stated the BJP does not support the attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee but called it a reflection of public anger. She drew parallels to past attacks on BJP leaders, claiming the TMC dismissed them as public outrage. Paul alleged people are reacting to years of oppression under the TMC government.

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee was attacked with stones and eggs in West Bengal. He described the incident as 'state-sponsored terrorism'. Banerjee thanked leaders for their support. He stated that the attack was a deliberate attempt to silence the opposition. He vowed to continue fighting for democracy and the people of India. The incident highlights political tensions in the region.

Janshakti Janta Dal founder Tej Pratap Yadav on Sunday hit out at the administration over the 15-day ultimatum issued to RJD leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Bihar Legislative Council, Rabri Devi, to vacate her 10, Circular Road bungalow, demanding that former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar vacate his government residence first.

Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah expressed hope for a ministerial position in the upcoming Karnataka cabinet. He stated the party high command assured him of a berth. Yathindra congratulated Chief Minister-elect D K Shivakumar. He clarified no demand was made for the deputy chief minister post. Discussions also covered election revision and Mysuru district politics.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticizes Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He alleges the minister is engaged in political games while students face exam issues and data leaks. Ramesh claims Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritizes power over performance. The CBSE is working to secure its OnMark portal after vulnerabilities were flagged.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh urged saving Punjab from the AAP government, citing a rise in drug trafficking, mafia activities, and a deteriorating law and order situation. He called for collective responsibility to make Punjab drug-free and restore development, prosperity, and security, emphasizing the need for a 'double-engine' government.

The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said Prime Minister Modi's silence on the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) issue is no longer indifference, it is complicity.

During the 134th installment of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a moment to spotlight India's thriving sports culture, particularly at the National Senior Athletics Federation Cup held in Ranchi. Among the highlights was sprinter Gurindervir Singh's remarkable feat of breaking the 100-meter record.

Sources in the Congress said Shivakumar will take oath on June 3 evening at Lok Bhavan along with 10-12 ministers, but even this list is still under preparation. But the Delhi leadership will take a final call though the AICC leaders are under pressure from several ministerial aspirants.

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh attributed the absence of MLAs to the sudden and emergent ground situation in the wake of Saturday's attack on TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and the subsequent alleged assault on party MP Kalyan Banerjee on Sunday.

Sibal asked what action has been taken to book the perpetrators of the violence and questioned the silence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Home Minister Amit Shah and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

West Bengal Governor R N Ravi expressed concern over challenges to election results and the credibility of constitutional bodies. He noted that losing candidates often allege vote rigging. The Governor believes these actions, by both external and internal elements, aim to undermine national confidence. This comes after the recent assembly elections in West Bengal.

West Bengal is set for a major cabinet expansion. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will induct 35 new ministers tomorrow. Governor RN Ravi will administer the oath at Nabanna. The state government is also forming two commissions. These will tackle institutional corruption and atrocities against women. Retired judges will head both commissions. They begin their work from June 1.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Sunday voiced strong concerns regarding the ongoing delay in restoring full statehood and holding elections for local democratic bodies. Party leaders highlighted that this inaction is negatively affecting governance and the public's welfare. They emphasized the critical need for elected representatives at all levels to ensure accountability and address pressing local issues.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu have strongly criticized the depiction of poet Thiruvalluvar in saffron robes at Lok Bhavan. Leaders from ruling and opposition parties condemned the move, stating it misrepresents the philosopher's universal message. They argued that associating Thiruvalluvar with a specific religious color undermines his secular teachings and appealed for adherence to his widely recognized image.

Trinamool Congress workers protested in West Bengal following alleged attacks on party MPs Abhishek Banerjee and Kalyan Banerjee. The party claims these were planned Bharatiya Janata Party attacks. The Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed the allegations. Abhishek Banerjee was reportedly targeted with stones and eggs. Kalyan Banerjee also alleged an assault.

DK Shivakumar, Karnataka's Chief Minister-designate, has invited Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi to lay the foundation stone for the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Bhavan. This event will take place after his swearing-in ceremony on June 3. The oath-taking ceremony will be live-streamed for all party workers and leaders.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin will lead a key meeting on June 1. The agenda includes reviewing preparations for programs marking 12 years of the Narendra Modi government. The party will also form a new team. Meanwhile, a high-level meeting is scheduled for Sunday evening. This meeting will focus on finalizing candidates for upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.