The Times of India

INDIA bloc MPs are set to oppose and defeat the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill in the Lok Sabha. Opposition parties fear the delimitation process, based on the 2011 census, will reduce southern states' representation and demolish opposition parties. They question the bundling of these bills with women's reservation.

Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez has filed a plea to become an approver in the Rs 200 crore money-laundering case involving Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the alleged extortion racket. Fernandez, who has been questioned previously, has now expressed her willingness to cooperate with the agency by turning approver in the high-profile case.

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Congress leader Shashi Tharoor urged the government to implement women's reservation immediately, separate from the delimitation process. He argued that delimitation requires extensive discussion, unlike the reservation bill which the opposition fully supports. Tharoor cautioned against a rushed approach, likening it to 'political demonetisation' and advocating for broader consultation.

Parliament buzzed with debate over India's representational future as the delimitation exercise and Women's Reservation Bill took center stage. Prime Minister Modi and home minister Shah assured southern states no injustice would occur, projecting increased seats and influence. Maths indicate a marginal shift in overall share despite seat increases for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Backing the idea of reserving seats for women legislators, Priyanka said her party was not opposing womens representation itself, but questioning what she described as the political intent behind the timing and framing of the bill. She argued that the ruling NDA was using the measure as an electoral strategy rather than as a purely reform-driven step.

Prime Minister Modi lauded the women's reservation Bill in Lok Sabha, while criticizing DMK's protest against the delimitation Bill. He assured no state would face injustice, countering Udhayanidhi Stalin's claims of reduced Tamil Nadu representation. The delimitation and women's quota bills were introduced after a division vote.

The Congress on Thursday alleged that the government wants to ulldoze delimitation in the name of women's reservation, and asserted that if it is really committed to implementing the women's quota law it should do so immediately on the basis of the current strength of Lok Sabha. The opposition party also alleged that the BJP was using delimitation as a political weapon to increase its influence.

Tragedy struck the Bankra border outpost in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas as a devastating fire engulfed a fuel depot. Assistant Sub Inspector Jagi Ram tragically lost his life after being trapped inside during a blast that ignited the blaze. The depot supplied fuel for BSF boats patrolling the Sundarbans. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the women's reservation Bill as a defining moment for India's democracy, emphasizing the need for greater female representation in policymaking. He asserted that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, providing 33% reservation for women, will give India a new direction, linking it to the nation's ancient democratic roots and the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Actor Vijay's new political party, TVK, is making a bold solo bid in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, challenging the state's long-standing alliance-driven politics. Historically, success hinges on coalitions, not standalone appeal. TVK's gamble aims for direct leadership, but faces the challenge of converting visibility into seats without established networks, potentially acting as a vote-splitter.

The Supreme Court heard arguments on whether religious practices, like the nudity of Digambar Jain sadhus, can be banned. The Travancore Devaswom Board argued that courts shouldn't judge core religious tenets, citing a Nepal SC ruling on Naga Sadhus. The board emphasized that a community's belief determines religious practice, not external adjudication.