The Economic Times

The Congress party is gearing up for a nationwide campaign against the Modi government. The agitation will focus on economic challenges like fuel prices, inflation, and unemployment. It will also address issues of alleged political manipulation and seat irregularities. Congress leaders aim to connect with affected citizens and highlight their concerns.

In a decisive move, Sunetra Pawar, the National President of the NCP, has firmly stated that any unwelcome interference in party matters will not be tolerated. She declared her commitment to placing the party's needs above all else. Assuring her supporters, she promised to deliver fairness and nurture new opportunities, drawing inspiration from the leadership style of Ajit Pawar.

The Supreme Court will hear Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's plea on Friday challenging her Rajya Sabha nomination rejection from Madhya Pradesh. Her candidature was disqualified after BJP leaders objected to alleged non-disclosure of a pending case in her election affidavit. Polling for the seat is scheduled for June 18.

Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department today. The Calcutta High Court granted him interim protection from arrest. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee stated he will not represent Abhishek Banerjee due to his alleged arrogance. Meanwhile, Trinamool MP Kirti Azad dismissed reports of a TMC-Congress merger.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik has resigned from the Upper House and the party. He joins two other MPs who resigned recently. Baraik stated he wants to work with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Meanwhile, Shatrughan Sinha and Babul Supriyo reasserted their loyalty to Mamata Banerjee. Pratima Mondal denied reports of being a rebel.

West Bengal is now accessing central government schemes for tribal welfare. Projects worth 126 crore have been approved. These funds will support building classrooms and renovating hostels. Marketing centers for tribal artisans will also be established. This development follows a change in state leadership and a renewed focus on central programs.

Speaking at the 11th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, chaired by the prime minister, Shah said decades-old problems of Naxalism, terrorism, and Article 370, among others, have been resolved within 12 years.

Bharatiya Janata Party candidates have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. James Sangma, a National People's Party leader, also secured a Rajya Sabha seat from Meghalaya. BJP nominees Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi and Tai Tagak were declared elected unopposed in their respective states.

Returning officer-cum-secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Tadar Meena, formally declared Tagak elected following the close of the candidature withdrawal period at 3 pm.

Four candidates have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and two other Congress leaders, Mansoor Ali Khan and Pawan Khera, secured seats. BJP's M Nagaraja also won. The election was scheduled for June 18, but an independent candidate's nomination was rejected. This leaves four candidates for the four seats, leading to unanimous election.

Four candidates from the NDA alliance have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh. Three members are from the TDP party and one is from the Jana Sena party. The Returning Officer announced their victory. This development strengthens the NDA's presence in the Upper House. The election results reflect the current political landscape in Andhra Pradesh.

Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh and Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar were among nine candidates elected unopposed to the Bihar Legislative Council. The ruling NDA secured eight seats, while the opposition RJD got one. JD(U) leader Lalan Saraf also won unopposed in a by-election. Several grassroots workers and minority representatives also gained council berths.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale predicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi will win the 2029 and 2034 elections. He stated that his party's support guarantees power. Athawale also highlighted the NDA government's secular approach and commitment to Uttarakhand's development. He mentioned projects worth Rs 40,000 crore for the state. The minister also spoke about educational policies and reservation quotas.

Three candidates have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. Satish Poonia and Alka Gurjar from the BJP, and Neeraj Dangi from the Congress secured their seats. This happened after the deadline for withdrawing nominations passed. The biennial election was for three seats. The terms of the current MPs were ending on June 21.

Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha pledges unwavering support to party chief Mamata Banerjee. This comes after Sinha congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 12-year tenure. Meanwhile, another TMC leader expressed internal party disagreements regarding a legal case involving Abhishek Banerjee. The leader presented Mamata Banerjee with a choice between himself and Abhishek Banerjee.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee stepped aside from a Calcutta High Court case involving Abhishek Banerjee. Banerjee cited a lack of communication regarding case filings. He also criticized Abhishek Banerjee for arrogance and disrespect towards senior party members. The development follows a CID investigation and Abhishek Banerjee receiving interim protection from coercive action.

In a notable judicial decision, the Calcutta High Court has mandated that Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee present himself to the state CID today. This order stems from an ongoing investigation into claims concerning forged signatures of two MLAs within his party. Banerjee has requested safeguards against any potential coercive actions amid these serious allegations regarding a party resolution.

The Cockroach Janta Party is launching a nationwide protest from Pune today. They demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk will join the peaceful demonstration. The party will release an education manifesto focusing on preventing paper leaks and improving exam transparency.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has raised concerns regarding the Election Commission's flagging of an unusually high number of children under the logical discrepancy category during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. He urged voters to ensure their documents are prepared correctly. This category has previously sparked political debate and legal challenges.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik has resigned from the Upper House with immediate effect, marking the third resignation from the party within a week and adding to signs of growing unrest within the Trinamool Congress.

BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has made a significant statement regarding alleged misuse of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He claims to possess crucial information but feels unable to disclose it at present. Singh cited fear of repercussions from powerful individuals as his reason for silence. His remarks come amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the temple's finances.

Veteran journalist turned politician Swapan Dasgupta was allotted finance while senior-most party leader Tapas Roy, with his long legislative and ministerial experience in the previous Trinamool tenure, has been allotted industry, commerce and enterprises, public enterprises, industrial reconstruction and non-conventional and renewable energy sources.

Following a recent meeting between Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee met Rahul Gandhi, signaling a potential shift in the TMC's stance towards the Congress and other opposition parties. This outreach, occurring amidst TMC defections to the BJP, has fueled speculation about a merger, though TMC leaders dismiss it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the past 12 years under Prime Minister Modi have seen India's self-respect and cultural pride grow. Key developments include a new Parliament building, new criminal laws, and the New Education Policy. The nation's borders are more secure, Article 370 was removed, and terrorism has been tackled.

Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has resigned from the Trinamool Congress and the Upper House, citing personal and political reasons. Hailing from Assam's Barak Valley, Dev, daughter of late Congress leader Santosh Mohan Dev, met with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. She is reportedly likely to join the BJP.

A Congress delegation urged the Election Commission to reinstate Rajya Sabha nominee Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. The party argued the returning officer's rejection, citing non-disclosure of a case, was perverse as charges were not formally framed, violating the Representation of the People's Act.

Religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq voiced deep concern over recent fatalities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over twenty individuals reportedly lost their lives following police actions against protesters. Mirwaiz emphasized that authorities should address public grievances through dialogue, not force. He urged for peaceful resolution and maturity in handling the situation. The leader expressed hope for a positive outcome.

A Tripura court has summoned Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee. He must appear in person at the Khowai district court on June 22. The notice was served through a Kolkata court. A Bailiff delivered the summons to Kalighat Police Station. Trinamool legislator Kunal Ghosh received the notice on behalf of Banerjee.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his record tenure. Sarma presented a letter from Assam's people. The letter detailed how Modi's leadership transformed Assam's development. It brought the state from the periphery to the center of national priorities. Modi's vision boosted the region's confidence and redefined its identity.

Gujarat Congress will have no representation in the Rajya Sabha soon. This follows a decade of electoral setbacks. The party's vote share has significantly declined. Recent local body election results show a complete failure. This situation underscores a deep crisis for the state's main opposition party. The leadership faces challenges in galvanizing its core voter base.

Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has not yet taken charge of key Bengaluru development bodies. He seeks full control over the city's development, which is currently divided. The Chief Minister holds significant portfolios like BDA and BMRDA. Gowda's responsibilities are unclear, impacting his ability to function effectively. This situation highlights ongoing political discussions regarding ministerial assignments in Bengaluru.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to NDA leaders for their wishes. He pledged renewed vigour for national service and building a 'Viksit Bharat'. The alliance's journey reflects a commitment to national interests and regional aspirations. The collective spirit has strengthened democracy and accelerated development. The NDA has provided a stable government for 12 years, driving progress across sectors.

JDS national president HD Deve Gowda clarified his personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends beyond Rajya Sabha nominations. He emphasized his decade-long support for Modi's leadership and stated the NDA bond will continue, dismissing speculation that a Rajya Sabha seat would end their alliance.

After 12 years at the helm, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects on a transformative journey filled with key reforms that have altered India's economic landscape, from the sweeping GST to the bold move of demonetisation. His tenure has also witnessed pivotal constitutional shifts, notably the revocation of Article 370, which has reshaped regional dynamics.

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has dismissed rumors of a rift between JD(S) and BJP. He stated his alliance with the NDA will continue. Deve Gowda emphasized his personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He praised Modi's leadership and India's economic growth. The comments came after Deve Gowda was not nominated for a Rajya Sabha seat.

Sushmita Dev has resigned from the Trinamool Congress and Rajya Sabha. She stated her desire to work in Assam. Dev met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. She cited political and personal reasons for her decision. Dev previously belonged to the Congress party. This development follows internal party rifts and other resignations after the recent assembly election loss.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda clarified his bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personal. He stated this relationship is not dependent on a Rajya Sabha seat. Gowda expressed no regrets about not continuing in the Upper House. He believes Modi has done significant work for the country's development. Gowda sees no other contemporary leader matching Modi's stature.

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan accepted TMC MP Sushmita Dev's resignation. This marks another setback for Mamata Banerjee's TMC. Dev cited a long story for her decision. Her exit follows Sukhendu Sekhar Ray's resignation. The party faces internal turmoil and speculation of a split. Dev joined TMC in 2021 after leaving Congress.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12 years in power. He stated these years focused on restoring India's pride and cultural renaissance. Shah noted the nation is now confidently establishing its identity globally. Key achievements mentioned include the new Parliament, new laws, and the promotion of mother tongues in education.

The West Bengal government has finalized portfolio allocations for its newly sworn-in ministers. Swapan Dasgupta will now lead the Finance Department. Tapas Roy has been appointed to head the Industries Department. Sharadwat Mukherjee will oversee the Health Department. This distribution follows the recent induction of these ministers into the state cabinet.

We have told them, and we have demonstrated, according to us, beyond doubt and beyond any matter of controversy, that the RO has passed a perverse order. An order akin to writing 2+2=7, not 4, Singhvi said.

Congress leaders have approached the Election Commission in New Delhi. They are protesting the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination papers from Madhya Pradesh. The party argues that no criminal case is pending against her. They demand the decision be reversed to ensure a fair election process. This action aims to uphold democratic principles and the level playing field.

Trinamool Congress faces internal turmoil as Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev resigns, fueling speculation of a BJP move. Rebel MPs are reportedly seeking separate seating and declaring support for the NDA. TMC leaders Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad have strongly criticized these dissenting MPs, accusing them of lacking morality and aligning with the BJP.

Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja has passed away. Tamil Nadu Governor, Chief Minister M K Stalin, and other prominent leaders have offered their condolences. Bharathiraja was known for his unique storytelling and portrayal of rural life. He received national and state honours for his work. State honours will be accorded to him. His death is considered a great loss to Tamil cinema.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited Kishanganj Gaushala. She offered prayers to mark Narendra Modi's achievement. Modi has become India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru's record. Gupta praised Modi's dedication to the country. She highlighted his vision for Viksit Bharat. Schemes benefiting women were also mentioned.

The Calcutta High Court will hear Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's plea on Thursday. He seeks protection from the state CID's coercive actions. The CID is investigating alleged forgery of party MLAs' signatures. Banerjee's office was raided by the CID. He wants the FIR in the signature forgery case quashed. The probe stems from a complaint by two legislators.

Sushmita Dev quits TMC: Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev has resigned from the Rajya Sabha. This marks the second resignation from the party's parliamentary wing in a week. The development intensifies questions about internal unity within the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit. This follows veteran leader Sukhendu Shekhar Ray's earlier resignation. These exits add to the party's challenges after recent legislative wing revolts.

Rahul Gandhi and Abhishek Banerjee held a meeting in Delhi. This comes amid efforts to strengthen the INDIA bloc's coordination and unity. The meeting follows discussions between Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi. Opposition leaders emphasized greater coordination at a recent INDIA bloc meeting. Mamata Banerjee urged alliance partners to work together on public issues.