Category: Politics

Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.

  • Opposition to Decide on Speaker Removal After Talks with Om Birla

    Opposition to Decide on Speaker Removal After Talks with Om Birla

    Amidst the parliament session, opposition leaders on Tuesday said that they will decide on giving a notice for moving a resolution to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker from office after a meeting with Om Birla. 

    Leaders of various opposition parties deliberated on the issue during a meeting of floor leaders held at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber on Tuesday morning.

    The decision came from opposition parties on Monday for disallowing Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders from speaking in the House on the Motion of Thanks to the president’s address, as reported by the Siasat. Com 

    While several opposition parties—including the Congress, RJD, Samajwadi Party, DMK, and the Left—are on board and have signed the notice against the Speaker, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has not done so so far.

    Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has also not signed the notice seeking to move a resolution for the Speaker’s removal, Siasat.com further reports.

    The opposition will decide on moving notice against the speaker to the Lok Sabha secretary general. 

    It has also been reported that the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and others have met Birla on Monday to work out a middle-ground solution to the stalemate, considering the house has not been functioning properly. 

    The notice in light of this would be given in Lok Sabha soon, and signatures of MPs would be produced. 

    It is imperative to note that the Lok Sabha has not been functioning properly since Gandhi has not been allowed to speak on February 2. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha flagged off the discussion on the Union Budget for 2026-27.

  • Clashes Break Out in Manipur’s Churachandpur Over Deputy Chief Minister’s Oath

    Clashes Break Out in Manipur’s Churachandpur Over Deputy Chief Minister’s Oath

    Fresh violence unfolded in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Thursday, a day after the formation of a popular government. Heavy stone pelting has also been reported, with two protesters attempting self-immolation in the afternoon, prompting a heavy deployment of security forces. 

    Tensions snowballed as protestors clashed with security personnel, which in turn resulted in the use of tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds. 

    This formation of the new Manipur government under the BJP’s Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a Meitei, came after almost a year of president’s rule, which was imposed following the resignation of then CM N. Biren Singh in February 2025. 

     Two People Sustained Minor Injuries 

    The violence, as per the officials, started as a mob gathered near Tuibong Bazaar and set ablaze a pile of discarded materials, which included tires, and raised slogans against Nemcha Kipgen. The situation escalated as the security forces attempted to clear the area. Two people sustained minor injuries during the clashes.

    The situation has remained tense with security personnel deployed. Meantime, Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has said that the government’s top priority would be addressing the problems faced by people who were displaced due to ethnic violence in both hill and valley districts. 

    “Our first priority will be to look after the problems of internally displaced persons in both the hills and the valley. The biggest issue is that they are not able to return to their homes. The government will formulate a roadmap very soon,” Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said. 

    Total Shutdown 

    A total shutdown has been imposed in the areas where clashes unfolded.  The Kuki-Zo tribal group has declared a social boycott of Kuki-Zo legislators who have joined the newly formed Manipur government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. The shutdown was more effectively visible in the Tuibong area of the district headquarters town.

    Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights has also announced that it will organize a mass public rally on Friday afternoon to object to the participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government formation process.

  • Uproar in J&K Assembly as BJP MLAs Raise Demand for National Law University in Jammu

    Uproar in J&K Assembly as BJP MLAs Raise Demand for National Law University in Jammu

    The Jammu and Kashmir assembly witnessed a noisy session on Tuesday as BJP MLAs asserted demand for the establishment of the National Law University (NLU) in Jammu. As the Question Hour started, BJP legislators created a furor and carried placards that read ‘NLU for Jammu.’ 


    “We are not against granting National Law University (NLU) for Kashmir but also want one such university for Jammu to fulfill the demand of the students of the region,” BJP MLA Surjit Singh Slathia said. 

    Congress legislator Nizam-ud-Din Bhat objected to the display of placards, stating that the Business Advisory Committee had recently decided that issues should be raised in the House while maintaining its decorum.

    “The action of displaying placards by BJP legislators is akin to encroachment and intrusion, which is not acceptable. The government granted permission for NLU in Kashmir following due process,” he said.

    National Conference MLA Saifullah Mir alleged that a significant number of Kashmiris living outside the Union Territory are forced to stay in their accommodations due to the assault they face when they come outside. 

    “There is no question of adjournment motion because the issues raised can be taken up through other means in an appropriate manner without disrupting the Question Hour, which can be used to make the government accountable,” he said.

    PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi said “As far as the National Law University is concerned, it was announced on the floor of the Assembly on 28th October 2025 that this university will be established in Budgam District, and the specific location… I do not understand why this is becoming controversial or why it is being politicized, similar to how the Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College was politicized. I feel that the same is being done with this university, perhaps to hinder its establishment…,” talking to IANS.


    Earlier to this, NC MLA conducted a sit-in protest outside the assembly, demanding the immediate restoration of statehood. PDP’s Muntazir Mehdi also joined the sit-in protest.

  • Kerala’s SIR Was Conducted Under Strict Deadlines, Says State Election Officer

    Kerala’s SIR Was Conducted Under Strict Deadlines, Says State Election Officer

    The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was conducted in Kerala under strict deadlines due to the southern state’s alignment with the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, as reported by the Hindustan Times. 

    Extensions for SIR 

    The Hindustan Times further reports that multiple extensions have been given for SIR of electoral rolls across states and Union Territories.  12 states/UT received a one-week pan-India extension, creating a new deadline of 11 December, 2025.  These states included Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Island were granted state-specific revised schedules. Meanwhile, Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, Puducherry, and West Bengal also got more extensions for claims and objections. The new date given to them was January 19, 2026.

    The initial absence of deadline extensions affected the involvement of Booth Level Agents (BLAs), who are appointed by political parties to assist in linking voters to legacy electoral rolls. As the availability of BLAs was low, the fieldwork was mostly carried out by BLOs and anganwadi workers. However, the anganwadi staff faced significant challenges with digital uploads, resulting in the creation of support camps with student volunteers and increased field-level supervision.

    Kelkar, however, said the suicide of a BLO on November 17 marked a “turning point,” altering how field staff perceived their roles.  “The first BLO death in Kerala was a turning point. That caused shock within the system and changed how field staff viewed their responsibilities,” he said.

    “If you are eligible, you will be on the electoral roll. The SIR reflects the need for rolls to keep pace with migration and mobility while adhering to verification rules.”

  • Congress Launches Nationwide ‘Save MNREGA’ Campaign

    Congress Launches Nationwide ‘Save MNREGA’ Campaign

    Congress has launched a nationwide campaign reportedly to oppose the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The campaign aims at large-scale mobilizations across states and calls for resolutions from over 2.5 lakh gram sabhas. As per the reports, the congress will initiate statewide protests, flagging off on Saturday, in several states.

    As per the testimonies of the party leaders, the center has led to the weakening and fragility of the rural jobs guarantee scheme due to the reduction in the powers of gram panchayats, including their rights to decide what work should be done and who should acquire jobs. 

    On January 10, the party will hold district-level press conferences across Uttarakhand to highlight the impact of the new framework and contrast it with the employment guarantees under MNREGA. Congress leaders claim the changes will harm rural livelihoods and weaken decentralized governance.

    Uttarakhand

    Meanwhile, the party in Uttarakhand has made the announcement of a statewide anger against the replacement of MNREGA with the Viksit Bharat G Ram G Rural Act.

    Bihar 

    The party in Bihar will introduce a ‘Save MNREGA’ campaign, which aims to target the Modi government’s anti-MNREGA policies. In this campaign, the leaders of the party will go village to village to raise awareness among people.

    According to Congress insiders, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has directed all state units to take the agitation deep into rural areas. A key part of the campaign is to ensure that more than 2.5 lakh gram sabhas across the country pass resolutions demanding the restoration of MNREGA’s original provisions.

  • AIMIM Leader Imtiaz Jaleel Targeted With Eggs During Maharashtra Poll Campaign

    AIMIM Leader Imtiaz Jaleel Targeted With Eggs During Maharashtra Poll Campaign

    Campaigning turned tense in the Baijipura–Jinsi locality of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday when former Aurangabad MP and AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel faced a hostile crowd while canvassing for the upcoming municipal elections.

    Jaleel was travelling through the area in his vehicle when a group of protesters carrying black flags surrounded the convoy. Eggs were hurled at the vehicle and attempts were made to stop it, forcing AIMIM workers to form a protective ring around their leader. The confrontation soon spilled onto the street, with sharp arguments and physical scuffles breaking out between party workers and the protesters. Amid the chaos, at least one AIMIM worker sustained injuries.

    Police personnel present at the site stepped in to prevent the situation from spiralling further. After repeated appeals failed to calm the crowd, the police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse those involved and clear the road. Several bystanders watched as the scene unfolded, while videos capturing the disturbance quickly began circulating on social media, drawing widespread attention.

    In the aftermath, AIMIM leaders alleged that the attack was not spontaneous but planned. They accused Congress candidate Kaleem Qureshi of being behind the protest, claiming that they had alerted the police beforehand about possible trouble but adequate security arrangements were not put in place. Jaleel also alleged the involvement of BJP ministers Atul Save and Sanjay Shirsat, saying their political influence had emboldened those who confronted him.

    The accusations were firmly denied by those named. Qureshi rejected AIMIM’s claims, alleging that Jaleel had staged the episode to generate sympathy and attract support. Shirsat dismissed the allegations as baseless and publicly stated that he would step away from politics if any proof emerged against him.

    AIMIM Leader Imtiaz Jaleel Targeted With Eggs During Maharashtra Poll CampaignThe incident has added to the charged political atmosphere in the city ahead of the municipal polls, underscoring growing tensions on the campaign trail.

  • “If Muslims also worship rivers and trees, there is nothing wrong in it”: RSS Leader Hosabale

    “If Muslims also worship rivers and trees, there is nothing wrong in it”: RSS Leader Hosabale

    Rashtriya Swaymasevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah (general secretary) Dattatreya Hosable on Wednesday said that it is a part of India’s cultural tradition to embrace nature, and it is not harmful to anyone.

    “If Muslims also worship rivers and trees, there is nothing wrong in it. These traditions are linked to nature conservation and collective well-being,” he said.

    He further highlighted the themes such as ‘Hindu- Hindutva’, ‘Nation- Nationality’ and ‘India-Indianness’ he said that the building of nation is possible only when character building is done.

    “Indian cultural roots are one. Methods of worship may differ, but Dharma is one — Sanatan. Dharma is the art of living life,” he said, 

    “Our ancestors described Hindu Dharma as Manav Dharma. People from any country can follow it. The celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21 across the world is a clear example,” he added.

    “In such times, Hindu society must stand as the protector of Dharma and work towards finding solutions to these challenges,” he said, 

    He went on to emphasise that children must be rooted in spirituality, literature, culture and Dharma, saying these were essential to shaping values, character and a sense of social responsibility from an early age.

     “Through stories, conduct, behaviour, and education, children must be shaped into responsible citizens,” he said.

  • Election Commission Updates SIR Schedule Across Six States

    Election Commission Updates SIR Schedule Across Six States

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday announced revised timelines for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across six states—Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

    According to the updated schedule, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat will complete their revised enumeration by December 14, with the draft rolls slated for publication on December 19. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been given until December 18 to finish the exercise, and their draft lists will be issued on December 23.

    Uttar Pradesh will carry out its revised enumeration process until December 26, and the draft electoral rolls for the state will be published on December 31.

    The Commission added that the enumeration drive in Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Gujarat will conclude on December 11, followed by the release of draft rolls on December 16. Kerala’s schedule was revised earlier, with the enumeration period set to end on December 18 and publication of the draft rolls scheduled for December 23.

    “The schedule for Kerala was revised earlier and the Enumeration Period for the State of Kerala would end by 18.12.2025 and the draft Electoral Roll will be published on 23.12.2025,” EC said.

    EC added, “In order to ensure that no eligible elector is left behind, new electors are being encouraged to fill up the Form 6 along with the Declaration and submit them to the BLOs (booth-level officers) or fill the Form and Declaration online using the ECINet App or website to get their names included in the final electoral rolls, which will be published in February, 2026.”

  • Yogi Adityanath Declares Singing of Vande Mataram Mandatory in All Uttar Pradesh Schools

    Yogi Adityanath Declares Singing of Vande Mataram Mandatory in All Uttar Pradesh Schools

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing a public gathering on Monday at “Ekta Yatra” in Gorakhpur, said that singing “Vande Mataram” will be made compulsory in all schools and educational institutions across the state soon, aiming at inspiring pride and respect for Bharat Mata and strengthening national unity.  India Commemorates 150 Years of Vande Mataram with Year-Long Celebrations from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026

    “We must identify and act against those who weaken our unity so that no other ‘Jinnah’ can ever rise to challenge India’s integrity.” the CM said.

    “There’s no point in opposing Vande Mataram,” he added. 

    “No religion or caste can be greater than the country” 

    Taking a jab at the Congress, the Chief Minister claimed that the party once labeled Vande Maataram as “communal.” “No religion or caste can be greater than the country. We must rise above beliefs that hinder national unity,” the Chief Minister said. 


    Untoward uproar around Vande Mataram 

    A controversy also erupted around Vande Mataram as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of “tearing apart” the song in the year 1937. 

    “A portion of Vande Mataram was removed, sowing the seeds of division,” the Prime Minister said. The criticism by BJP goes to the extent of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for ““pandering to communal sentiments,” as said by the BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan. He said that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress altered the lyrics and removed the references it contained associated with Goddess Durga.

    Meanwhile, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh referenced records from the 1937 Congress Working Committee, highlighting that the move to restrict the hymn was guided by Rabindranath Tagore.

    “The Congress Working Committee met in Kolkata October 26-November 1, 1937. Those present included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini Naidu, J.B. Kripalani, Bhulabhai Desai, Jamnalal Bajaj, Narendra Deva, and others. The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol. 66, Page 46, reveals that on October 28, 1937, the CWC issued a statement on Vande Mataram. This statement had been profoundly influenced by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and his advice,” he said.

  • BJP Slams Karnataka Government After Video of Namaz at Bengaluru Airport Triggers Controversy

    BJP Slams Karnataka Government After Video of Namaz at Bengaluru Airport Triggers Controversy

    A new controversy has swept over the news headlines after a purported video made rounds on the internet demonstrating a group of people offering namaz inside Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) in Bengaluru, prompting political and social media debates.  A group of people offered namaz in congregation as the Haj pilgrim bid farewell at the airport in the presence of security staff, prompting questions on how the gatherings were permitted within the premises. However, the airport administration is yet to issue an official statement on the act. 

    Political Uproar 

    How is this even allowed inside the T2 Terminal of Bengaluru International Airport? Hon’ble Chief Minister @siddaramaiah and Minister @PriyankKharge, do you approve of this?” BJP Spokesperson Vijay Prasad said on social media platform X 

    “Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer namaz in a high-security airport zone?” he added.

    “Why is it that the government objects when the RSS conducts Patha Sanchalana after obtaining due permission from the concerned authorities but turns a blind eye to such activities in a restricted public area?” Prasad said. 

    Does this not pose a serious security concern in such a sensitive zone? He added.

    Social Media Slams 

    Alongside the political uproar, social media also slammed the act.“Bengaluru Airport already has faith rooms. So why use public spaces for prayers? By IT BT minister Priyank Kharge’s own logic, how is this allowed without permission?” a user said

    “Namaz is allowed inside T2 of Bengaluru Airport. They will soon ask authorities to build on the mosque and also the airport.” another user posted.

    “Welcome to Congress’ double-decker hypocrisy. Students have to remove Janeu and Tilak before entering the examination hall. But groups without obtaining prior information from the state government can offer Namaz in a sensitive zone like an airport.” a user said.