The Economic Times

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, has announced an upcoming protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Despite the Delhi Police's restrictions and metro station closures, the protest will continue. Dipke slammed the government for its anxiety over youth-led demonstrations, stating that the current clampdown is reminiscent of the emergency period when dissent was heavily suppressed.

BJP spokesperson Siddharth Yadav has raised concerns regarding Rahul Gandhi's recent engagement with foreign billionaires. He suggested that Gandhi's politics now rely on international figures for support and funding. Yadav referenced Gandhi's historical criticisms of foreign influence on India's democracy during media interactions. He questioned the shift in the Congress party's stance towards Starlink, contrasting it with their previous opposition.

Rahul Gandhi stated that he is not against business but is opposed to monopolies in India. He emphasized the importance of a fair playing field for all businesses, large and small. Gandhi criticized the government's alignment with specific businesses, advocating for a more balanced approach. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no single entity dominates the market.

The Congress party is not participating in the Cockroach Janata Party's agitation, choosing to conduct its own protests. Several allies from the INDIA bloc, however, support the CJP's demands and will join their agitation. Congress has planned a 'jan andolan' in Delhi for October 12, urging allies to participate. Rahul Gandhi is reaching out to students through events coinciding with the CJP's emergence.

Selja, who had earlier written to Rawat to stop his parallel show, is learnt to have urged the former chief minister to cancel his independent yatra and join official Uttarakhand Congress campaigns, stressing that party unity is essential to defeating the BJP in the upcoming election. She is also learnt to have made it clear that being part of collective work is the norm for all senior Uttarakhand state Congress leaders. ETs calls to Seljas office evoked no response.

Bypoll results from five assembly seats and a Lok Sabha seat show victories for ruling parties. In Tamil Nadu, the ruling TVK gained seats from AIADMK, boosting its assembly presence. The BJP in West Bengal won significantly in Nandigram and Rejinagar with large margins. In Puducherry, AINRC candidate won Thattanchavady seat, defeating Congress. BJP was set to secure Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam, leading ahead of AIUDF and Congress.

BJP has achieved a historic victory in the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election with Devasish Sharma as the candidate. The constituency now has a Muslim voter majority, significantly impacting BJP's strategy. Former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi's resignation led to this crucial by-election. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized this win reflects wider trust in BJP's governance.

BJP candidates secured remarkable victories in Nandigram and Rejinagar during the recent bypolls. Hasi Rani Rath won in Nandigram with a margin of over 122,000 votes against Congress's Milan Pradhan. In Rejinagar, Shankharavh Sarkar achieved victory with 75,816 votes over his nearest rival. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attributed the wins to strong support from minority voters in both constituencies.

The Assam Cabinet passed a resolution to express appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service. It acknowledged the Prime Minister's contributions to the development of Assam and the North-East region. Additionally, the Cabinet waived the settlement premium for land allotted to Lovlina Boxing Academy in recognition of her achievements. This decision supports the growth of sporting infrastructure in Assam.

Rahul Gandhi informed Opposition MPs that continued pressure could lead to the government's downfall soon. The INDIA bloc leaders convened to strategize their protest against alleged electoral manipulation and demand the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other significant leaders participated in this crucial meeting. Meanwhile, protests have intensified, highlighting the opposition's determination to challenge the government's actions.

CJP leader Saurav Das claimed that BJP-ruled states are detaining CJP volunteers ahead of the protest. The planned protest at Jantar Mantar aims to demand accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police denied permission for the protest, citing safety and order concerns as reasons. CJP and student organizations expressed solidarity for the proposed agitation against electoral irregularities.

All 10 Rajya Sabha candidates from Uttar Pradesh have been declared elected unopposed on Friday. This includes eight candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party and two candidates from the Samajwadi Party. The need for these elections arises as the terms of the current members end on November 25. While most candidates have collected their certificates, one candidate has not yet done so.

Opposition leaders, including CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, are protesting train cancellations prior to the October 10 event. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien accused the government of fearing the youth and their protests. The CPI(M) has approached the Supreme Court to challenge these restrictions, which include internet shutdowns and closed metro stations. The CJP claimed that its co-in-charge Deepak Baliyan was placed under house arrest amid growing dissent.

Dinesh Arya was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha seat from Uttarakhand on Friday. The election was confirmed by Hem Chandra Pant, the returning officer for the Uttarakhand Assembly. There were no other candidates from Congress or other parties for this position. Arya has been associated with the BJP since 1985 and has held various party roles.

Suvendu Adhikari stated that the BJP has gained substantial support from the minority community in recent bypolls. He claimed that around 60 percent of Muslim voters in Rejinagar and 80 percent in Nandigram backed the BJP. Adhikari indicated that this reflects a shift in the political mindset among minority voters. He attributed the peaceful conduct of the bypolls to the BJP's governance.

Congress claims that the Special Intensive Revision is being misused to unlawfully remove many genuine voters from electoral rolls. Jairam Ramesh alleges that this practice undermines the democratic principles outlined in Article 326 of the Constitution. The opposition has intensified protests, calling on the Chief Election Commissioner to resign over these actions. Reports indicate internal dissent within the Election Commission regarding the handling of the SIR process.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticized Congress leaders for attempting to create anarchy in India. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi is against the Indian state and has foreign collaborators. The Congress party previously criticized the Modi government's handling of US actions affecting Indian IT professionals. Heavy security measures were observed before protests organized by the Cockroach Janata Party against the Chief Election Commissioner.

Bhaskar Rao has requested the Union Home Ministry to verify Dhruv Rathee's citizenship and immigration status. This request follows Rathee's participation in a protest against the Election Commission of India. Rao expressed concerns about foreign nationals participating in organized political demonstrations in India.

Abdul Kabir, a leader of the People's Democratic Party, was arrested for referring to Burhan Wani as a martyr. His comments sparked controversy concerning some BJP leaders' past actions toward Wani's family. Kabir asserted that his statements reflect personal opinions, and not the official position of the party. The PDP has distanced itself from Kabir's remarks, emphasizing they do not represent the entire party's views.

President Droupadi Murmu has agreed to meet with leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc on Friday evening. This meeting is scheduled amid ongoing protests by Opposition parties regarding the Chief Election Commissioner. Opposition MPs had earlier been halted by police while marching towards the Election Commission's office. They later shifted their protest to Raj Ghat, requesting the President's attention on this matter.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has launched a strong critique of the Election Commission of India. Allegations include voter list manipulation and mass deletions targeting specific communities. Protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation continue, representing various political outfits and citizens. Congress leaders have highlighted issues in West Bengal's electoral rolls and procedural deficiencies within the Election Commission.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced plans to question the Congress government in Kerala during the Assembly session. He mentioned three BJP MLAs inquiring about the legality of the Assembly after recent remarks regarding the electoral revisions. Meanwhile, KPCC president Sunny Joseph dismissed the BJPs claims as excuses and defended the electoral process.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea for an independent investigation into the Cockroach Janata Party's protests. These protests occurred in July over alleged NEET-UG paper leak issues at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Protesters demanded accountability for examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk supported the protests by launching an indefinite hunger strike.

BJP Karnataka president B Y Vijayendra accused the Congress government of targeting his party workers over electoral roll revisions. He said the Special Intensive Revision process aims to cleanse the electoral rolls of irregularities and duplicate entries. Vijayendra denied allegations by the incumbent government of targeting minorities and backward castes. He expressed concerns over illegal Bangladeshi migrants being included in electoral rolls.

The Supreme Court has declined a request to allow greater police authority regarding protesters in Delhi. Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed concern for the future of young student protesters and their families. The court noted the importance of preventing unnecessary legal entanglements for these young individuals. However, it clarified that earlier protective measures do not apply to individuals accused of serious crimes.

The Modi government is facing scrutiny regarding heavy security measures ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party's protest. More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Delhi to maintain order. The Congress party has criticized the government's actions as a sign of panic following protests by the INDIA bloc. Police have warned against unauthorized gatherings and violence during the scheduled protest.

Delhi High Court denied an urgent hearing for the Indian Youth Congress's plea regarding a protest. The protest is aimed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, focusing on alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. IYC approached the court after Delhi Police denied permission to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar. The matter is scheduled to be heard on Monday next week.

BJP candidates are showing strong leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar seats during the ongoing by-elections. Hasarani Rath, linked to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, is ahead by over 9,500 votes. Milan Pradhan from Congress is trailing in second position. The by-elections function as an early electoral test for West Bengal's political dynamics following recent Assembly elections. Counting commenced at 8 am amid robust security measures at the counting centers.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge outlined potential challenges for India's IT sector due to the US suspension. This suspension may increase operational costs and reduce flexibility for Indian IT companies in the United States. Kharge suggested that more high-value work might remain in India due to difficulties in relocating engineers. He emphasized the need for India to be prepared for this shifting landscape in technology operations.

Youth-led protests have prompted political parties to engage Gen Z through informal outreach methods, combining traditional and modern approaches. Parties like Samajwadi Party and Shiromani Akali Dal are launching youth campaigns focusing on issues relevant to students. BJP has adapted its strategies for first-time voters, featuring Prime Minister Modi in interactive events. Congress has organized concert-style interactions with students to foster communication on their concerns.

Tamil Nadu Dharampur Election Result 2026: The counting for the Dharapuram by-election commenced on October 9 at 8 am. This election outcome is crucial for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, seeking to establish its strength following a recent victory. Voter turnout in this bypoll was around 80.30%, showcasing the electorate's active engagement in this pivotal event. P.

Election Results: Vote counting for six constituencies across Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry commenced on October 9. Key contests in Tamil Nadu involve the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK. West Bengal's results will provide insight into voter sentiment towards the BJP government led by Suvendu Adhikari. The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat's results will reveal the performance of BJP, Congress, and AIUDF.

Vote counting began at 8 am for the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls in West Bengal. The BJP aims to assess its performance after winning significant seats in the recent elections. Both constituencies recorded a high voter turnout with polling described as largely peaceful despite opposition allegations. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari previously won Nandigram, while the Rejinagar seat became vacant after a party chief vacated.

INDIA bloc MPs will convene to protest alleged electoral misconduct referred to as 'vote chori'. They have sought a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu but await a response from Rashtrapati Bhavan. This follows multiple protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with recent sit-ins held at Rajghat. The Election Commission has faced criticism due to objections raised by its commissioners about electoral processes.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy emphasized the need for India to embrace innovative internet solutions. He responded to Elon Musk's claims regarding Starlink being blocked by local interests. Reddy insisted that Brand India should not be weakened for any domestic distractions. The Central government maintained compliance with security norms is mandatory for satellite communication licensees. Rahul Gandhi's comment hinted at the underlying tensions in the situation.

On Thursday, various groups protested in Bengaluru against the special intensive revision of voter rolls. The protesters included activists, student organizations, and digital influencers voicing their concerns about transparency. They raised concerns about the process potentially excluding genuine voters and demanded a return to paper ballots. Key participants included YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and actor-activist Prakash Raj. The movement highlights issues surrounding voter registration and elector

The Supreme Court has ordered new elections in 50 municipal wards across Punjab. This decision follows a report detailing significant obstruction during the nomination process. The report highlighted incidents of candidates experiencing threats, assaults, and destruction of nomination papers. Fresh elections will take place in 28 wards in Patiala district and 22 in Moga. The local body elections originally occurred on December 21, 2024.

Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Indias telecom regulations after Elon Musk questioned why Starlink is yet to receive an operating licence despite five years of compliance with Indian requirements. Musk called the situation troubling. Starlink has secured key authorisations but is awaiting security clearance before launching commercial services in India.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she is likely to join opposition INDIA bloc protests at Delhis Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She also expressed concern over Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, and said she has sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu.

CJP leader Abhijit Dipke declared plans for a nationwide mobilization against the SIR exercise scheduled for October 10. The protest aims to demand accountability for alleged voter deletions and to scrap the SIR initiative. Dipke criticized the government's restrictions on peaceful gatherings, emphasizing the need for public participation in democracy. Actor Prakash Raj supported the movement, highlighting the extensive documentation of irregularities related to voter deletions.

The results of Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls will help assess political sentiments after the BJP's recent government formation. While allegations of voter intimidation raised concerns, the Election Commission deemed polling to be generally peaceful.

Kerala Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham said Thursday that the department is examining an old case involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and is likely to take a decision within a week. The inquiry relates to alleged irregularities during Kumars tenure as PWD Secretary in 2006 and allegations of external influence.

More than 60,000 people have been displaced after ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023. The violence erupted after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

In a significant act of dissent, opposition leaders, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a peaceful demonstration at Raj Ghat. They called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged electoral misconduct. Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister and others of plotting a criminal conspiracy against democracy.

Mizoram has started a special drive to identify and enroll eligible voters not listed in electoral rolls. This follows the completion of the Special Intensive Revision process to update the voter list.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused unknown individuals of orchestrating sting operations against him after he assumed office. He stated that he possesses evidence linking these attempted operations to certain political figures or organizations. Shivakumar has informed the police about his suspicions regarding those involved in the operations. His warnings to Cabinet colleagues aim to ensure their awareness and caution against potential entrapment.