Politics / The Economic Times
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has declared assets exceeding Rs 10 crore. He is contesting elections from Tarapur. Choudhary faces allegations regarding his age and educational qualifications. He also has two criminal cases pending against him. His affidavit mentions his age as 56 years. He claims to have received an honorary D.Litt. and a 'PFC' from 'Kamaraj University'.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey shared a document alleging former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was an agent for a Swedish military company in the 1970s. Meanwhile, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate accused Dubey of disproportionate assets for his wife. Shrinate cited a Lokpal complaint claiming her assets grew significantly without a corresponding income rise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Andhra Pradesh government and IT Minister Nara Lokesh for their successful 'Super GST, Super Savings' campaign. The initiative effectively deepened youth understanding of GST reforms through innovative competitions. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu highlighted over 98,000 events held and pledged to continue them.
The ruling BJP has criticized its ally, the Tipra Motha Party. BJP leaders accused TMP of distorting Tripura's history for electoral gain. They highlighted government welfare measures for tribals. BJP also condemned derogatory remarks made against the Chief Minister. Clashes between party workers have been reported. TMP demands a separate state for tribals.
Indian opposition leaders are questioning the government's foreign policy. US President Donald Trump stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would cease Russian oil purchases. Congress leaders allege the Indian government's decisions are announced by the US President. India's Ministry of External Affairs responded that energy sourcing is based on national interests and consumer protection.
Prasad questioned the RJD's intentions and asked how they could promise to create a ew Bihar with such a candidate, alleging that this move was an attempt by the RJD to revive the politics of fear and crime in the state.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in Guwahati on October 17, where he will honor the memory of the beloved singer Zubeen Garg, who sadly passed away in Singapore on September 19.
Carbon dioxide levels have skyrocketed to unprecedented heights. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh is sounding the alarm, directly challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He demands to know whether Modi will press his American counterpart to uphold the Paris Agreement commitments as the US withdrawal notice period winds down.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar criticized Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's social media posts on Bengaluru's infrastructure, stating they harmed the city's interests. Shaw defended her comments, asserting her right to speak as a Karnataka resident. Meanwhile, a BJP MP urged the government to heed Shaw's suggestions for improving Bengaluru's global competitiveness.
The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on Gitanjali J Angmo's plea challenging Sonam Wangchuk's detention. The court noted her intention to amend the petition. Wangchuk's elder brother and lawyer have met him in Jodhpur jail. The activist was detained under the National Security Act following violent protests in Ladakh. The government accused him of inciting the violence.
Gujarat's Bhupendra Patel-led cabinet is poised for a significant expansion before Diwali, with over half of current ministers likely to be dropped. The reshuffle aims to balance regional and caste equations, potentially including new faces like Arjun Modvadia and key leaders from Saurashtra, north, and south Gujarat.
Brijeshwar Kashyap, son of former BJP MP Virender Kashyap, faces rape and criminal intimidation charges. A woman accused him of sexual exploitation under a false marriage promise. Police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This follows another high-profile arrest of Ram Kumar Bindal, brother of Himachal BJP President Rajiv Bindal, for alleged rape. Investigations are ongoing.
Bihar's ruling NDA coalition leaders have confirmed seat allocation is settled. Discussions on specific constituencies are in the final stages. Despite some dissatisfaction, all parties stand united under Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. The NDA is ready to contest the upcoming assembly elections. The coalition aims to win and uphold Bihar's pride.
JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal protested outside Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence. Mandal, seeking a party ticket for the upcoming assembly polls, sat on a dharna with supporters. He stated he would not leave until he received the party symbol from the CM. Security personnel prevented his entry to the premises.
O J Janeesh has been appointed as the new state president of the Kerala Youth Congress following Rahul Mamkootathil's resignation over sexual abuse allegations. Binu Chulliyil is the new working president, while Abin Varkey and KM Abhijith are national secretaries. Resentment brews within Congress factions over the appointments, with a complaint planned for the high command.
The Congress, along with other opposition parties, will boycott the joint parliamentary committee examining three bills that propose removing government functionaries arrested for 30 consecutive days on serious charges. This decision was conveyed to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, with parties like TMC, AAP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) already declaring their non-participation.
Congress criticizes Prime Minister Modi for remaining silent while hailing US President Donald Trump's claims of forcing an abrupt halt to Operation Sindoor through tariff threats. Trump has repeatedly asserted his role in mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire, a claim India attributes to DGMO talks.
The National Conference has nominated Imran Nabi Dar as its fourth candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision follows the Congress's refusal to field a candidate for the fourth seat, which was deemed unsafe by the party. The biennial elections are scheduled for October 24.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggested the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena could join the Maha Vikas Aghadi opposition bloc. However, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande refuted this, stating the party's stance is solely decided by its chief. The Thackeray cousins have met multiple times recently. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential alliances for upcoming local body polls.
The Supreme Court declined to hear a Public Interest Litigation seeking a Special Investigation Team to probe Rahul Gandhi's allegations of electoral roll manipulation. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi advised the petitioner to approach the Election Commission of India instead. The plea cited Gandhi's claims of fictitious and duplicate entries in Bengaluru's electoral rolls.
BJP leaders are criticizing the ruling DMK ahead of state elections. K Annamalai calls the DMK arrogant and says the BJP must secure all votes. Nainar Nagenthran questions the DMK's past actions regarding Katchatheevu. Annamalai also accuses the DMK of relying on money power. The BJP urges voters to support the National Democratic Alliance to oust the DMK.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday demanded a full investigation into allegations of sexual abuse within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) after the suspected suicide of a young software engineer in Kerala.
Jammu and Kashmir advisor Nasir Aslam Wani defended the UT government's performance, suggesting the PDP's past BJP alliance might have led to the loss of Articles 370 and 35A. He urged patience from the opposition, stating criticism alone won't restore statehood. Wani also emphasized India's 'big brother' role in regional ties, advocating for better relations with neighbors and reviving SAARC.
The BJP's Central Election Committee met to finalize tickets for its first list of candidates, agreeing to contest 101 out of 243 seats in Bihar. The party plans to retain most sitting MLAs, citing a lack of anti-incumbency, and will prioritize winnability with a focus on caste and social equations, potentially including more women candidates.
Karnataka is considering a ban on RSS activities in public spaces, citing concerns that the organization undermines constitutional principles and incites unrest among youth. This move follows a letter from the IT/BT minister, sparking strong opposition from the BJP who label it a political diversion.
On the RTI Act's 20th anniversary, Congress accused the Modi government of systematically corroding the legislation, leaving the Central Information Commission headless and weakening the public interest clause. The party cited five key RTI revelations that prompted the government to dilute the act in 2019, impacting transparency and citizen rights.
Amid intense seat-sharing talks for the Bihar Assembly election, HAM chief Jitan Ram Manjhi reaffirmed his loyalty to PM Modi and expressed confidence in an NDA victory. Senior BJP leaders are in Delhi finalizing arrangements, while the INDIA bloc, including RJD and Congress, prepares to contest. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party also enters the fray.
Manipur BJP legislators met central leaders in Delhi and were assured that President's Rule, in effect for eight months, will not be extended. The delegation, including former CM N. Biren Singh, briefed the BJP leadership on the state's political and security situation, pressing for the restoration of an elected government.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee will not contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections due to its alliance partner National Conference refusing a safe seat. The party's central leadership had requested one of the two seats going to polls separately, but the NC offered a seat under a common notification, which was deemed ot safe by Congress leaders.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath visited Chhindwara. He met families whose children died after consuming a contaminated cough syrup. Nath alleged administrative negligence by the state government. He demanded strict punishment and Rs 50 lakh compensation for each victim's family. The deaths are linked to a cough syrup manufactured in Tamil Nadu.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has labelled Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath an infiltrator. Yadav stated Adityanath, who hails from Uttarakhand, should be sent back to his home state. He also claimed Adityanath is an ideological infiltrator. These remarks follow Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments on political parties using infiltrators as a vote bank.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ban all Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activities. Kharge stated these activities in government institutions and public spaces contradict India's unity and constitutional spirit. He cited concerns about negative ideas being instilled in children and youth. The minister emphasized the need to uphold secular values and protect the well-being of the public.
Pappu Yadav stresses the Mahagathbandhan's significance for the Bihar Assembly polls. He calls the election a fight between destruction and development. Rahul Gandhi's strength will be key for the INDIA bloc. Seat sharing discussions are nearing completion. The elections will be held on November 6 and November 11. Vote counting is on November 14.
Senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar lauded Rajiv Gandhi's leadership at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival, contrasting his policies with the current administration's perceived neglect of India's peripheries. Aiyar highlighted Gandhi's focus on national interest over party politics, citing accords in Punjab, Assam, Mizoram, and Kashmir as examples of his 'healing touch' approach.
Congress leaders are unhappy with P Chidambaram's comments on Operation Bluestar. They believe senior party members should be cautious with public statements. Chidambaram stated Operation Bluestar was wrong and Indira Gandhi paid with her life. Party sources indicate widespread agitation over repeated embarrassing remarks. The operation aimed to remove militants from the Golden Temple.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has clarified no alliance decision with Congress for the Jubilee Hills by-election. He maintains a good relationship with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Owaisi also addressed his interactions with the BJP, emphasizing he meets Union Ministers for constituency work without ideological compromise. He stressed his commitment to serving his elected constituents.
P. Chidambaram criticized Operation Blue Star in 1984 as the wrong way to retrieve the Golden Temple, stating Indira Gandhi paid with her life for the mistake. He contrasted it with Operation Black Thunder, which he deemed the ight way by keeping the Army out of the Sikh worship place.
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi has blamed vested interests for attempts to tarnish the state's peaceful image amidst rising law and order concerns. Recent incidents, including communal tensions in Cuttack and the murder of a BJP leader in Berhampur, have drawn criticism. The CM has directed police to stay vigilant and engage with community leaders to ensure peace.
Madhya Pradesh's Mohan Yadav government faces scrutiny after over 20 children died, allegedly from 'Coldrif' cough syrup manufactured in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Yadav accused the TN government of non-cooperation in the investigation. TN Health Minister countered, blaming past neglect of drug inspections under the previous administration.
Senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda, met with allies to finalize seat-sharing for the Bihar polls. The BJP state chief indicated an announcement by Sunday, with formulas for JD(U) and LJP(RV) nearly settled. Discussions continue with HAM(S) and RLM, aiming for a united NDA front.
Speculation about a cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka is rife as the Congress government approaches its halfway mark. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has called these rumours, emphasizing that the party high command holds the decision-making power. Sources suggest Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's camp is pushing for changes. This potential move could impact Shivakumar's aspirations for the chief minister's chair.
Women journalists were barred from an Afghan Foreign Minister's press conference in New Delhi. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram expressed shock. He suggested male journalists should have boycotted the event. Karti Chidambaram criticized the government's role. The Afghan minister is on a week-long visit to India. India announced new healthcare projects for Afghanistan.
Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq appealed to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah to release jailed Kashmiri leaders, including Shabir Shah, Asiya Andrabi, Engineer Rashid, and Mehraj Malik, on humanitarian grounds. He stated that such a move would foster goodwill among the people of Kashmir, highlighting the prolonged suffering of many imprisoned for dissenting views.
The NDA has successfully finalized its seat-sharing agreement for the Bihar elections. Key allies like LJP (RV), HAM (S), and RLP have reached accords with the BJP. The BJP and JDU will contest around 100 seats each. An official announcement is expected soon. Candidate selection for the first phase is underway, with a list anticipated early next week.
Union minister Sukanta Majumdar stated that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls will happen in all states. He urged the ruling TMC in West Bengal not to be anxious about the process. Majumdar also suggested the Election Commission should consider Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent comments regarding the voter list revision exercise.
Andhra Pradesh Congress President YS Sharmila accused the TDP government of conspiring to dismantle the Aarogyasri health scheme by failing to clear Rs 2,700 crore in dues to private hospitals. The Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospitals Association has suspended services under the scheme due to an unsustainable financial crisis, with pending dues mounting.
The Election Commission (EC) is set to begin a phased pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, starting with states where assembly elections are due in 2026, including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution sanction against AAP MLA Amanat Ullah Khan. This is in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi Waqf Board. The Delhi High Court has directed the trial court to consider the ED's application. The case involves alleged money laundering in the purchase of a property worth 36 crore rupees.
The Supreme Court is considering a plea to grant voting rights to undertrial prisoners. Nearly 4.5 lakh undertrial prisoners across India could potentially vote. A lawyer argued that the current ban violates constitutional rights. The court has asked the Centre and the Election Commission for their views.

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