India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
As the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office fast-tracks the booth mapping process under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), opposition parties, including the Trinamul Congress, CPI-M-led Left Front, and Congress, have raised questions over the "hasty implementation" of the exercise ahead of next year's Assembly polls. As the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office fast-tracks the booth mapping process under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), opposition parties, including the Trinamul Congress, CPI-M-led Left Front, and Congress, have raised questions over the "hasty implementation" of the exercise ahead of next year's Assembly polls. According to senior officials, data from three districts -- Jhargram, West Midnapore and Alipurduar -- have already been uploaded to the Election Commission of India's website. The booth mapping completion stands at 62.94 per cent in West Midnapore, 51.36 per cent in Jhargram, and 53.73 per cent in Alipurduar. Beyond these, several other districts are in various stages of progress -- Purulia (61.29 per cent), Kalimpong (64.27 per cent), Malda (54.49 per cent), and Kolkata Uttar (55.35 per cent). The process in North 24-Parganas has reached around 45 per cent, while in South 24-Parganas, the progress hovers between 50 and 55 per cent, sources in the CEO's office said. Advertisement The mapping process, which determines voter distribution across polling stations based on the 2002 SIR benchmark, is being expedited before the Diwali holidays beginning 18 October. "District magistrates, who also serve as district election officers, have been directed to complete the process quickly. An internal deadline was earlier set for 15 October," a senior official said, adding that voters can verify their data online through their EPIC numbers. However, political reactions have been sharp. The Trinamul Congress alleged that the exercise was being "hurried through without adequate transparency" and could potentially "disenfranchise voters in rural and minority-dominated areas. Senior Trinamul Congress leader and West Bengal minister for irrigation and waterways, Manas Bhunia, said that his party, the Trinamul Congress, will face the eventuality in the Assembly. "Our party's stand on the SIR is clear. Our supreme leader, Mamata Banerjee, and our party's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, have given clear directions that we will face the eventuality in the Assembly and respond through legal measures and grassroots movements. The Election Commission must ensure that no genuine voter is left out or shifted arbitrarily. We suspect the sudden rush is politically motivated," said Mr Bhunia. Echoing similar concerns, CPI-M state secretary Md Salim said the process appeared to be "guided by the BJP's political interests." "The CEO's office must act independently, not under pressure from Delhi. Mapping must be done meticulously, not under a stopwatch," he said. Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also accused the Commission of selective urgency. "When it comes to cleaning up electoral rolls or booth restructuring, the CEO acts with lightning speed, but complaints from opposition parties take months to be addressed," he remarked. With less than six months left for the general elections, the booth mapping exercise has turned into yet another political flashpoint between the ruling Trinamul Congress and the opposition in Bengal.
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) "On the face of it you are a corrupt person. Crores of rupees were recovered from your premises," the Supreme Court on Wednesday told former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, held in an alleged cash-for-job scam in the state. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, which reserved its verdict on the bail plea of Chatterjee, questioned the enforcement directorate (ED) over his continued incarceration saying he cannot be kept inside for an indefinite period. "On the face of it you are a corrupt person. Crores of Rupees were recovered from your premises. Wha ...Read More >
Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha and Union minister JP Nadda on Thursday said that the Chair should not be questioned or criticised about admissibility, calling it contempt of the House and Chairman. He also condemned Mallikarjun Kharge for criticising the Chair in a press conference the day before, calling it wrong. "The Chair cannot be questioned with regard to admissibility or for any other purposes. The Chairman's ruling cannot be questioned or criticised; to do so is contempt of the Hous ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): Congress candidate from the New Delhi assembly constituency, Sandeep Dikshit, on Monday took a dig at Delhi Chief Minister Atishi for her 'crowdfunding campaign' to contest the election, saying that the ruling AAP is spending much more than the expenditure limit. He alleged that AAP is spending Rs 500 to 700 on each volunteer. He stated that the party had appointed around 11 to 12 volunteers in each booth. "...Their (AAP) paid volunteers are on the ground with 11-12 of them at each booth. Each volunteer is being paid Rs 500-700. This only amounts to Rs 3- ...Read More >
PATNA,: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Tuesday expressed willingness to take "strong steps" to ensure that concerns of students protesting alleged irregularities in a recent BPSC exam were squarely addressed by the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar. The Hajipur MP had a free-wheeling interaction with the media here on the sidelines of a feast organised by his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on the occasion of the Makar Sankranti festival. Asked about the Bihar Public Service Commission exam row, Paswan said, "I have said it in the past and wish to reiterate that Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Opposition BJD and Congress MLAs Tuesday staged a walkout from the Odisha assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of failing to control prices of essential commodities and resolve the potato crisis in the state. The issues were debated in the House over the admissibility of an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition on price rise of vegetables, pulses, edible oil and fuel. The opposition members took exception to comments made by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra that adverse climate conditions, rates in international and domestic markets, and less production by ...Read More >
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced several pre-election promises targeting auto drivers. These include a ₹10 lakh insurance policy, ₹1 lakh for daughters' marriages, a biannual ₹2,500 uniform allowance, free coaching for their children, and the relaunch of the 'PoochO' ride-booking app. Kejriwal and the AAP are campaigning to secure a third term in the upcoming February elections.Ahead of crucial Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal promised several measures for auto dri ...Read More >
Lalu Yadav was reacting to Nitish Kumar's plans to launch the Mahila Samwad Yatra, an initiative aimed at directly engaging with women in Bihar. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday stoked controversy after passing a sexist remark at Nitish Kumar's upcoming women's rally, saying that the Bihar Chief Minister was attending it to "ogle at women." Yadav was reacting to Kumar's plans to launch the Mahila Samwad Yatra, an initiative aimed at directly engaging with women in Bihar. "Nain sekne ja ra ...Read More >
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], January 14 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday took a potshot at Lok Sabha LoP (Leader of Opposition) Rahul Gandhi over a tussle between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress ahead of the upcoming Delhi assembly elections saying that they (Congress) make friends in the morning and fight at night. Vijayvargiya further said that now whether these people abuse or praise was not important and the public knew everything. "Sometimes they (Congress) shake hands and sometimes they break each other's hands. It is their culture (sanskaar ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Election Commission on Friday said it will respond with full facts in writing after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that Maharashtra has more voters than the state's total population. Soon after Gandhi levelled the allegations at a press conference here, the poll body said in a post on X, "ECI considers political parties, as priority stakeholders, of course the voters being the prime and deeply values views, suggestions, questions coming from political parties." ...Read More >
Kolkata: Reaffirming Trinamool Congress's support for the Union government on matters of external affairs, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday said her party was not boycotting the multi-party diplomatic mission aimed at countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and would send its representatives once a formal request is received. "It is not that no one from Trinamool is going. The Centre informed the parliamentary party about joining the delegation. However, we have not received any news from the party. It must be remembered that the parliamentary party only decides about the session of Parl ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to introduce ballot paper in place of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale rejected the prayer to return to the ballot system due to the alleged manipulability of EVMs. "When you lose, EVMs are tampered with; when you win, EVMs are fine," remarked the apex court, when the petitioner referred to the statements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his predecessor Jagan Mohan ...Read More >
The Supreme Court halted new temple-mosque legal battles. The court will review the 1991 law impacting religious site status. This law froze the status of religious sites as of August 15, 1947. Several cases, including Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah, challenge this law. The law's validity is being questioned. The court's decision impacts ongoing and future disputes.In its ruling on the keenly-watched Place of Worship Act case, the Supreme Court said on December 12 that no new Mandir-Masjid suits are to ...Read More >
New Delhi: The opposition INDIA bloc formed to take on the BJP led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is struggling with internal rift with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledging the growing discontent among the alliance partners and asking Congress to justify its leadership role instead of taking it for granted. Suggesting the Congress to raise the issue of raise the issue of restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the leadership "has to be earned" and cannot be taken for granted. "By virtue of being the single largest party in Parliament, and als ...Read More >
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress on Wednesday distanced itself from statements made by party MP Shatrughan Sinha, who said non-vegetarian food should be banned, and that the Uniform Civil Code is good but should only be implemented after consultations with all parties. The party also chose to describe MP and actor Rachna Banerjee's praise for the Kumbh Mela as her "personal opinion." Sinha, the two-time Asansol MP, speaking to ANI, said, "At first glance, whatever happened in Uttarakhand is commendable. The Uniform Civil Code should definitely be there. I believe there should be an all-party meeti ...Read More >
Delhi is facing worsening pollution and erratic weather patterns, with the air quality regularly reaching dangerous levels. This is partly due to climate change, with temperature rises and unpredictable rainfall patterns caused by global warming. The industrial revolution has played a significant role, contributing to the rise in global temperatures. The effects are already being felt, with 2024 witnessing record-breaking heat in India. Despite this, there is little action from society or leadership, with courts repeatedly stepping in to address issues like pollution and farm fires. The need f ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders into violence-hit Sambhal until December 10, with officials urging leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi to reconsider his planned visit on Wednesday. Moradabad divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said there is a need for calm in the region, and that "any provocation could escalate the situation" in the district. "The situation in Sambhal is normal right now, but tensions persist," Singh said. "The District Magistrate has banned the entry of people from outside until 10 December ...Read More >
The Sena UBT chief spokesperson was reacting to Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad's comment that West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee should be allowed to lead the INDIA bloc. Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that his party was open to discuss if someone outside of the Congress party should lead the Opposition INDIA bloc. Speaking in New Delhi Delhi, Raut said that all the constituents of the INDIA bloc are willing to have a discuss ...Read More >
Guwahati, Dec 12: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the "One Nation, One Election" bill, a landmark proposal aimed at synchronising elections across the country. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, currently on a visit to Odisha, hailed the move as a significant step toward "minimising disruptions" to developmental work caused by frequent election cycles. Speaking to the press during a visit to Jagannath Temple in Puri, Sarma asserted the rationale behind the initiative, stating, "Recently, we held Lok Sabha elections, and now legislative elections are around the corner in Assam. ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 22 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed his grief at the deaths of several people due to rumours of fire in the Pushpak Express in Maharashtra's Jalgaon and called for immediate compensation to the victims and punishment to the guilty. "Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims, we pray for the peace of the departed souls. We wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. "The government and administration are requested to provide immediate and appropriate compensation to the victims and take strict legal action against those g ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 7 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday rejected Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegation of alleged discrepancies in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly election stating that the Opposition leader, aware of his party's imminent defeat in Delhi election results was attempting to "cover fire." Earlier today addressing a press conference in the national capital Rahul Gandhi flanked by Supriya Sule and Sanjay Raut had alleged that over 39 lakh voters were added to Maharashtra's electoral rolls within a span of fiv ...Read More >
Karimnagar: The state government is making significant progress in tackling the unemployment problem, while simultaneously fostering regional development, said irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Karimnagar district in-charge, here on Monday. He was addressing a rally that was taken out by the Congress for the Graduate MLC seat candidate V. Narendar Reddy from SRR College grounds to the collectorate, where he filed his nomination papers. Present on the occasion were TPCC chief B. Mahesh Kumar, ministers Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, Konda Surekha, Seethakka and Jupally Krish ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Monday amid protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues. As soon as the lower House met after the weekend break, many opposition members, including those from the Congress, were on their feet, raising the indictment of industrialist Gautam Adani in a US court on bribery charges, among other issues. Some members were in the Well of the House while other opposition members stood in the aisle and raised slogans. Speaker Om Birla asked the ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Local CPM leader Madhu Mullassery, who was expelled from the party for walking out of its area conference at Mangalapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district, joined the BJP on Wednesday. The former CPM leader accepted the party membership from state president K Surendran. BJP leaders including District Treasurer Balamurali and local leaders, played a key role in facilitating his transition to the BJP despite attempts by Congress leaders to contact him, reported Manorama Online. CPM District Secretary V Joy alleged that Mullassery had already decided to join the BJP. Joy also ...Read More >
Kolkata, Dec 12 (VOICE) BJP leader Rahul Sinha on Thursday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of not genuinely wanting the INDIA bloc to succeed, amid ongoing speculations about her leadership aspirations within the Opposition alliance. Sinha's remarks came after Mamata Banerjee expressed her willingness to lead the INDIA bloc, receiving backing from some alliance leaders. Following this, Mamata thanked her 'supporters', stating that she is "indebted" to their faith in her and wishes for the alliance's success. Reacting to her statements, Sinha accused Mamata of harbouring pe ...Read More >
A severe cold wave, comparable to the intensity of summer heat, is expected to sweep across West Bengal. How long will these frigid conditions persist? A severe winter is approaching, with temperatures expected to drop sharply across West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has forecast a cold wave from December 13 to 15, marking the onset of intense winter conditions. Dry weather is likely to persist until December 18, accompanied by northerly winds sweeping across the state. Light fog is ex ...Read More >
Kolkata: BJP on Saturday criticised urban development minister Firhad Hakim over a video where the Kolkata mayor is purportedly heard making a comment on minorities. Hakim had made the comment while addressing an educational conference recently. Hakim said BJP was using his quote out of context and he was only referring to the gulf between the educated and the uneducated. "As education spreads, the gulf will be bridged and there will be one identity," said Hakim. Saying that he would never play ...Read More >
Delhi Elections 2025 Date and Time: Delhi elections 2025 is set to be held on February 5. The term of the 70-member Delhi assembly ends on February 23, and Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party is aiming for a third consecutive term. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is giving it a neck-to-neck competition to claim Delhi's throne after a long wait. This is to be reiterated that Delhi is not a state but a union territory and is officially known as the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Along with an elected Assembly, it also has a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the Union Govern ...Read More >
Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple locations in West Bengal in connection with irregularities in the medical admissions in the state under the non-resident Indian (NRI) quota. The irregularities in medical admissions come after a major recruitment scam in Bengal in 2022, where former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and his close aide were arrested. The raids and search operations were conducted in multiple locations in the state. ED reportedly started the investigation based on a complaint filed in the Electronic Complex Police Station under Bidhannagar ...Read More >
Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 3 (ANI): Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya on Tuesday wrote to the officers of neighbouring districts--Bulandshahr, Amroha, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar--requesting them to stop Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at their district borders. The Sambhal DM addressed the letter to the Police Commissioners of Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, along with the Superintendents of Police (SP) of Amroha and Bulandshahr. "On November 24, a remaining survey was conducted, following which members of the Muslim community staged massive p ...Read More >
INDIA bloc MPs, donning black jackets with slogans like "Modi Adani Ek Hai", protested at Parliament demanding a joint probe into the Adani issue. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused PM Modi of evading discussion on the "Adani mega scam" while defending Adani's alleged corruption. Rahul Gandhi asserted that Modi won't investigate Adani as it would be like investigating himself.Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Thursday said the country's people want the "Adani mega scam" to be discussed in Parliame ...Read More >