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.
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session on Wednesday witnessed a political slugfest between the ruling DMK and principal opposition AIADMK after the latter moved an adjournment motion to discuss the September 27 Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives. All hell broke loose when the back-and-forth between the Dravidian parties meandered into the topic of a chief minister's duty, and DMK chief and Chief Minister MK Stalin brought up the Thoothukudi firing incident, in which 12 people were killed, during AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami's regime. The opposition eventually walked out. It all started with the Leader of Opposition Palaniswami moving the adjournment motion under Rule-56 to discuss the tragic incident and started speaking only to be interrupted by Speaker M Appavu, who allowed Stalin to first make the government's statement on the issue. Palaniswami and his MLAs opposed and demanded he be allowed to speak first and then the chief minister can reply. Stalin clarified he was intending to make the statement of the government and not replying to the motion and informed the Assembly that as many as 606 police personnel were deployed at the venue of TVK president's (Vijay) political campaign. "The organisers informed the police that 10,000 cadres would attend the campaign and that the meeting would be conducted between 3pm and 10pm. But the party's general secretary made a social media announcement saying the TVK president would arrive in Karur at 12 noon," he said. Citing that Vijay reached the venue 7 hours late, Stalin alleged the delay caused overcrowding. "Since there was a huge gathering at the venue and several fans and cadres followed the caravan from Thavittupalayam toll plaza, police requested the organisers to make Vijay's speech near Akshaya Hospital. But they refused and proceeded to the permitted venue. When the vehicle started moving, people standing on either side of the road lost their balance," he stated. Stalin further alleged that TVK cadres attacked ambulance drivers when they arrived to rescue people who fainted due to overcrowding. He listed out the immediate rescue and relief measures taken by the government, including his visit to Karur and monetary relief to the families of the deceased and said the government will act based on the final judgment by the Supreme Court. At this point, expressing his displeasure over allowing the chief minister to speak before the motion was moved, Palaniswami said TVK's campaigns in Tiruchy, Ariyalur, Nagapattinam and Namakkal went without incident. "If police protection was given based on the crowds in those four places, Karur could have been avoided. There are several contradictions in the claims of the chief minister and the police," he alleged. When Palaniswami remarked it was the duty of the CM to visit the tragedy-hit spots, implying there was nothing noble about Stalin visiting Karur, the latter mentioned Thoothukudi police firing in which 12 people were killed. MLAs from both sides sprung to their feet, forcing the Speaker to intervene. Recalling an incident, in which the Karur police denied permission to AIADMK to conduct a meeting in Veluswamypuram (where stampede occurred) citing movement of buses, narrow roads and others, Palaniswami alleged that there was an ulterior motive to permit TVK to conduct its meeting at the same spot. Interfering, Palaniswami's speech Stalin quipped that the AIADMK is trying to make an election alliance (with TVK) and urged not to politicize the issue, to which Palaniswami and his MLAs expressed opposition. Continuing his statement, Palaniswami asked why the police allocated the space for one party that was rejected for another party. Meanwhile, public works department minister EV Velu reminded that AIADMK conducted a meeting at the same spot two days before Karur incident without any incidents. "Crowd came to the AIADMK meeting to hear what Palaniswami spoke, but the crowd gathered in the TVK meeting was to see the party president. Since the TVK president remained inside the vehicle, the crowd concentrated at the spot where he spoke, " he remarked. Reference of Thoothukudi firing triggers ruckus: When Palaniswami remarked that it was a duty of the chief minister to visit the spot where such incidents occur implying there is nothing noble about Stalin visiting Karur, the latter mentioned Thoothukudi firing, in which 12 persons were killed by police during Palaniswami's regime. This created ruckus in the assembly as MLAs from both the sides exchanged words. Speaker had to intervene to bring the house in order. Later, transport minister SS Sivasankar made similar remarks on the Thoothukudi firing incident forcing Palaniswami and AIADMK MLAs to sit in the well of the floor and demonstrate against the references pertaining to Thoothukudi. Despite the Speaker, chief minister and senior minister Durai Murugan promised to expunge the remarks if AIADMK points out any direct reference to anyone in the house. AIADMK MLAs continued their demonstration, making the Speaker order assembly marshals to evict them. But, the protesting MLAs walked out of the assembly. Then, the chief minister alleged that AIADMK came with a pre-plan to create ruckus in the assembly and the intention of Palaniswami's speech was to form an alliance. "The public are suspicious that the government had intended such an incident (stampede) as the venue, which was denied earlier, was given to TVK," Palaniswami told reporters after walking out.
OCCRP had published news articles against Adani; BJP MP Sambit Patra calls Rahul 'traitor of highest order' After a hiatus of two days, the Winter Session of Parliament plunged into chaos again Thursday, this time due to the ruling BJP targeting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing them of being part of a plan to "derail" India's economy and "disrupt" its democracy. Senior BJP MP Nishikant Dubey raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, alleging that a "dangerous triangle" ...Read More >
BJP member Manas Dutta blamed the previous BJD government and held it responsible for not extending their service agreement which ended in April, 2024. As hundreds of women working as support staff under the Mission Shakti department staged a demonstration outside the Assembly over different issues, the opposition BJD on Monday demanded immediate release of their salaries. While the agitating women were shouting slogans at the Mahatma Gandhi Road leading to the Assembly, the issue was raised in ...Read More >
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 11 (ANI): A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by senior leaders, met Himachal Pradesh Governor Pratap Shukla recently to submit a comprehensive 106-page memorandum titled "Kachcha Chittha". The document, which alleges rampant corruption and administrative failures in the two years of Congress rule under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to hold the state government accountable for what the BJP describes as a period of "unprecedented mismanagement and destruction." Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Himachal Prade ...Read More >
Responding to Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) floor leader G.K. Mani, who raised the issue in the House, Mr. Stalin said, "Adani did not meet me nor did I meet him." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday (December 10, 2024) told the State Assembly that he had not met Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, dismissing rumours about the conglomerate's alleged links to the State. Responding to Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) floor leader G.K. Mani, who raised the issue in the House, Mr. Stalin said, ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a noisy scene as Opposition BJD and Congress members held protests inside the House over alleged non-payment of salaries to around 60,000 women supporting staffers under the 'Mission Shakti' scheme. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of "conspiring to stop" salaries of the 'Mission Shakti' staff. As soon as the Question Hour began, the BJD and Congress members trooped to the well of the House and demanded immediate release of salaries of around 60,000 women supporting staff working under the 'Mission Shakti' sch ...Read More >
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday honored the state's emerging cricket sensation, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at his residence. Recognized as a "Wonder Boy," Vaibhav has impressed cricket enthusiasts with his outstanding performance in the U-19 Asia Cup, where he scored back-to-back fifties for India. CM Nitish felicitated Vaibhav with a shawl and extended his heartfelt congratulations. He praised the young cricketer's talent and wished him continued success in his future endeavors. BCA's Contribution Highlighted The Chief Minister also honored Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, P ...Read More >
Kottayam: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerala and Tamil Nadu have always supported each other, establishing a model of cooperative federalism. He said that when rights of states are being encroached upon, such cooperation should be extended among others. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Vijayan inaugurated the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Library in Vaikom in Kerala on Thursday, marking a significant occasion in the commemoration of the legacy of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. Several key political leaders from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, underscored the longstanding ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Assembly speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on Wednesday said he will consider the request for introducing the 'Best MLA' Award on the lines of 'Best Parliamentarian'. Meanwhile, legislative affairs minister D Sridhar Babu criticised BRS MLCs and MLAs for boycotting the first orientation programme for first-time legislators in the last 10 years in Telangana. Sridhar Babu said it was a two-day programme and that BRS members should attend it at least on the second day, Thursday, at MCRHRD Ins ...Read More >
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition is now gearing up for a national protest after losing Maharashtra state elections. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which suffered a crushing defeat in last week's Maharashtra state elections, is now gearing up for a national protest against the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which it blames for its loss. The MVA, led by the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (led by Sharad Pawar), is planning to challenge the use of EVMs in court and demand a return to ballot paper voting. Fo ...Read More >
The Supreme Court overturned a Madras High Court decision. The high court had refused to dismiss defamation charges against Union minister L Murugan. Murugan faced these charges over statements made in 2020. The Supreme Court accepted Murugan's argument. He said he did not intend to defame the Murasoli Trust. The case is now closed.The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed criminal defamation proceedings against Union minister L Murugan on a complaint filed by the Chennai-based Murasoli Trust for his ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 6 (ANI): The Lok Sabha as part of the Winter Session of the Parliament has been adjourned until 11:00 am on December 9, as announced by the Speaker on Friday. The proceedings of the lower house were adjourned until 12 pm earlier in the day as disruptions continued for the ninth consecutive day of the winter session, with opposition members raising slogans and creating ruckus over various contentious issues. Also Read | Hashimpura Massacre Case: Supreme Court Grants Bail to 8 Convicts in Infamous 1987 Massacre Case. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made a fervent appeal ...Read More >
Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 12 (PTI) Tensions flared in the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday as BJP MLAs barged into Speaker U T Khader's chamber, expressing strong objections to his handling of the proceedings. The confrontation came amidst heated debates over the recent police lathi charge on Panchamasali Lingayat protesters, with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP trading accusations. The issue arose when Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar, himself a leader of the Panchamasali Lingayat community, criticized the decision of previous BJP government to scrap the 4 per cent Muslim reservati ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has directed that no new lawsuits related to places of worship (temples, mosques, or shrines) can be filed until further notice. This decision was made during the ongoing hearing of petitions challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The ruling prohibits the lower courts from issuing any survey orders or interim orders that might alter the status or nature of any religious site. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan, issued this order while hearing sev ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Expressing deep grief over the death of six persons in a fire accident that took place in a private hospital in Dindigul on Thursday night, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday announced a solatium of Rs.3 lakhs each to the bereaved families. Also, those who suffered serious injuries would be given Rs. 1 lakh and minor injuries, Rs.50,000. The persons who have lost their lives have been identified as J Manimurugan (30) and J Mariammal (50) of Thadikombu; K Suruli (50) of Seelayampatti in Theni district; R Rajasekar (36) and R Gopika (6) of NGO Colony in Dindigul. ...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 >
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin responding to a query from PMK floor leader GK Mani in the Assembly on Tuesday, categorically denied meeting Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani. Mani, during his speech during the zero hour, raised a query about media reports about a case registered in the US court against Adani, which included purported connections with the Tamil Nadu government, and sought the state government's explanation on the issue. Responding to him, Stalin clarified, "Neither I nor the present Tamil Nadu government has any connection in this matter. I have never met him, a ...Read More >
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin firmly denied allegations linking him to industrialist Gautam Adani as presented by the BJP and its ally, the PMK. During a recent Assembly session, Stalin challenged opposition leaders to initiate a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) inquiry into the allegations surrounding Adani's company. Addressing PMK leader G. K. Mani, Stalin reiterated that he had never met Adani, dismissing claims of any existing ties. He asked if the opposition was willing to engage in a thorough investigation through a JPC probe and bring the discussion to Parliament. The cal ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...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 >
Kottayam (Kerala), Dec 12 (PTI) The historic struggle for equality that took place in Vaikom a century ago, popularly known as the Vaikom Satyagraha, was not a movement confined to Kerala but marked the starting point for various other struggles for social justice, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Thursday. In his address at Vaikom in this district after inaugurating the renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, Stalin said that while impressive strides have been made in areas of social justice and economy in 100 years, a lot more has to be achieved. Stalin inaugur ...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 >
NEW DELHI: A political slugfest erupted after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was stopped from visiting violence-hit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, with the BJP accusing the Congress leader of attempting to incite communal tensions. BJP leaders criticised Gandhi's visit as a desperate political move, driven by competition with the Samajwadi Party (SP) to reclaim vote banks. Meanwhile, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, slammed the government's actions as undemocratic and an assault on constitutional rights. BJP spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi described the visit as a "sign of h ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening at a grand ceremony here to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries. Fadnavis, who would be occupying the CM's post for the third time, along with two deputy chief ministers will take the oath of office, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters, adding that other members of the cabinet will take oath later. Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde are expected to take oath as ...Read More >
Chief Minister Hemant Soren proposed Rabindra Nath Mahato's name for the post and the proposal was seconded by JMM MLA Mathura Prasad Mahato JMM legislator Rabindra Nath Mahato was on Tuesday elected unopposed as the Speaker of the sixth Jharkhand assembly. Chief Minister Hemant Soren proposed Mahato's name for the post and the proposal was seconded by JMM MLA Mathura Prasad Mahato during the second of the four-day session of the assembly. Soren congratulated Rabindra Nath Mahato on behalf of ...Read More >
Ballia (UP): Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Thursday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of trying to incite people and spreading anarchy in the state and said he is a "confused" leader who does not know what to do. Pathak was reacting to Gandhi's visit to Hathras where the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha met the family of a Dalit woman who died allegedly after being gangraped in September 2020. "(Rahul) Gandhi is confused. He has no idea what he will say and when. Sometimes he thinks of visiting Sambhal, sometimes Aligarh or Hathras. He is totally derailed and ...Read More >
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 2 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah claimed that Muslims are feeling unsafe and stated that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also said that the government should treat Muslims without any discrimination. "...There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the govt of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean. They (the govt) should treat Muslims equally, there is no di ...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 >
Bengaluru: Ex-Karnataka Chief Minister and former External Affairs Minister SM Krishna died here early on Tuesday, leaving behind a rich legacy of statesmanship and public service that saw the 92-year-old leader scale all heights of political achievements. Suave, sophisticated and a man with enviable academic credentials, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna started off his political innings as an independent MLA from Maddur in 1962, stunning a then Congress veteran in the elections, and went on to become the state's CM and later the country's External Affairs Minister. Tributes poured in for the fo ...Read More >
NDIA bloc leaders, who submitted a notice of no-confidence motion against the Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday, blamed the chair for not allowing them to speak in the Rajya Sabha. The leaders held a joint press conference labelling several charges against the chairman. "His behaviour (RS chairman) has damaged the dignity of the country. He has brought such a situation in the history of parliamentary democracy that we had to bring this notice for the resolution (of no confidence ...Read More >
New Delhi: India's opposition MPs on Wednesday, December 11, greeted their BJP counterparts in Parliament premises with the tricolour in one hand and a red rose in the other, urging the ruling party to ensure that the Parliament functions properly. This is the latest in a series of demonstrations led by Congress over the issue regarding industry mogul Gautam Adani getting indicted by the US. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also offered the tricolour in the form of a card to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh when the latter was entering the main Parliament building. Congress ...Read More >