The Times of India

Home Minister Amit Shah and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav clashed in Parliament over the Women's Reservation Bill. Yadav questioned the urgency without an updated Census, demanding a caste-based enumeration. Shah assured that a caste census would be conducted after the ongoing Census process, while also stating religion-based reservations are unconstitutional.

Lok Sabha passed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, aiming to implement women's reservation before 2029. The bill, linked with delimitation and increased Lok Sabha seats to 850, faced opposition from parties questioning its timing and constitutional validity. Debates highlighted concerns over linking reservation with delimitation and the census.

Parliament is set to debate the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, aiming for 33% women's reservation in legislatures. This constitutional amendment, passed in 2023, will be implemented after delimitation based on the 2027 Census. While the government champions women's empowerment, opposition raises concerns over the delimitation process and its potential impact on state representation, creating a north-south divide.

'2011 Census Won't Be Basis For Allocation Of LS Seats'

Samrat Choudharys journey to the top has hardly followed a conventional BJP path. Unlike many leaders nurtured within the Sangh ecosystem, he comes from outside that fold. His father, veteran politician Shakuni Choudhary, was a founding member of the Samata Party and a contemporary of both Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav. Samrat himself began in the Rashtriya Janata Dal in the 1990s and entered government early, serving as a minister under Rabri Devi.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta described the Women's Reservation Bill as a landmark and far-reaching initiative that will significantly strengthen women's empowerment in the country. She said the legislation is poised to open new avenues for women and elevate their role in governance in the years ahead.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of a power grab through a delimitation bill, stating the women's reservation bill was already passed in 2023. He asserted the Congress party unequivocally supports women's reservation and condemned the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats as 'hissa chori' from marginalized communities and certain regions.

Addressing reporters in Coimbatore, the senior Congress leader shared critical views regarding the special session of parliament and the proposed Delimitation Bill.

The Aam Aadmi Party's rift with MP Raghav Chadha has widened, with leaders accusing him of betrayal and linking ED raids on Ashok Mittal to his alleged collusion with the BJP. Chadha's removal as deputy leader and subsequent Z-category security have fueled internal dissent and public accusations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended Bengali New Year greetings, urging voters to democratically counter attempts by Delhi's zamindars to undermine voting rights. She emphasized Bengal's cultural legacy of communal harmony and called for unity against divisive forces, appealing for votes for the Trinamool Congress in upcoming elections.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a state-wide black flag protest against the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise. He warned of severe political consequences if concerns about reducing southern states' political weight are ignored. Stalin described the move as a 'grave danger' and a 'historic injustice' that could widen the North-South divide and undermine federalism.

Iran reportedly used a Chinese-built spy satellite, TEE-01B, to monitor US military bases in the Middle East during recent conflicts. Leaked documents suggest the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps utilized the satellite for targeting and assessing strike success. China denies providing military support, calling the accusations fabricated.