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.
Guwahati, Oct 22: Assam's Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Debabrata Saikia has urged the Gauhati High Court to direct the state government to abolish the one-man judicial commission probing the death of singer Zubeen Garg, arguing that it conflicts with and duplicates the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. In a detailed letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, the senior Congress leader called for the formation of a Special Bench to supervise and monitor the investigation into the late artist's death, being conducted by a nine-member SIT under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police. The SIT was constituted following over 60 FIRs filed across the state after Garg's unnatural death. Subsequently, the Assam government appointed a one-man judicial commission, headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court, to conduct a parallel inquiry into the case. "The state government may be advised to withdraw its notification constituting the one-man commission of inquiry, as its continuance risks duplication, conflict, and over-complication with the ongoing SIT/CID investigations, potentially leading to evidentiary issues and delays," Saikia wrote. He further suggested that since most SIT officers are drawn from the CID, they could be integrated under a unified framework to eliminate overlaps and improve coordination. Saikia proposed that a Special Bench of the Gauhati High Court be empowered to supervise and monitor the SIT's investigation into Zubeen Garg's demise "in the interest of justice." "Such a Bench could oversee the progress of investigations, issue directions to ensure procedural fairness and compliance with BNSS provisions, coordinate international assistance, and receive monthly progress reports to preserve public confidence and institutional integrity," he added. The Congress leader argued that this judicially monitored model would prevent procedural impropriety and ensure accountability. "It would eliminate multiplicity, prevent duplicity, and safeguard against investigative bias, ensuring no accused escapes accountability. This oversight would reaffirm constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 21, upholding the rule of law," Saikia stated. He requested the Chief Justice to review the matter and issue appropriate recommendations guiding the Government of Assam towards a fair, credible, and judicially supervised inquiry. Zubeen Garg died under mysterious circumstances in Singapore on September 19 while swimming in the sea during his visit to attend the 4th North East India Festival. Saikia also questioned the legitimacy and authority of the judicial commission, arguing that its terms of reference mirror those of the SIT, creating potential jurisdictional conflicts and unnecessary delays. "As a single-member body, it lacks the diverse expertise required for a multifaceted international case and operates without inherent police powers, relying only on advisory recommendations that cannot bind investigative agencies," he noted. Referring to Supreme Court precedents, Saikia stressed the importance of judicially monitored investigations in cases where executive control could create conflicts of interest. "Respectfully adopting this principle, I submit that the nature of late Zubeen Garg's case warrants robust judicial oversight to ensure transparency, impartiality, and independence. A free and fair investigation adhering strictly to BNSS safeguards is essential to prevent any miscarriage of justice," he wrote. The LoP further highlighted a jurisdictional limitation of the SIT, led by CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta, noting that it lacks extraterritorial authority to conduct investigations abroad. "Indian police, including SITs, have no direct enforcement powers overseas. This jurisdictional void under the Assam Police Act renders the SIT powerless in key areas of the international probe, such as accessing Singaporean autopsy reports, hospital records, or summoning foreign witnesses. Such actions require coordination with central authorities like the Ministry of Home Affairs or the CBI through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) or letters rogatory under BNSS Section 186," Saikia explained. The Congress leader also raised concern over *confidential materials being leaked to the media. "Multiple and conflicting reports, including confidential and personal details, have been improperly leaked, undermining the fairness and sanctity of the investigation into Zubeen Garg's unfortunate demise," he stated. Through his letter, Saikia called upon the Gauhati High Court to restore public trust by ensuring a transparent, coordinated, and judicially supervised investigation into one of Assam's most sensitive and emotionally charged cases.
IMPHAL, Nov 17: The NPP on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led Government in Manipur, even as violence continued to rock the state as offices of the Congress and the saffron party were ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam where an unidentified body was found earlier in the day, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A BJP MLA's ancestral house was vandalised in Imphal Valley while a building owned by Ashab Uddin, the Independent legislator of Jiribam, was ransacked, officials said. The incidents occurred a day after irate mobs set fire to the residences of ...Read More >
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak announced the examination of the Jhansi Medical College fire report after a tragic incident claimed 10 infants' lives. Investigations point to a short circuit as the cause. Amid electoral criticism, Congress calls for reverting to ballot papers following a recent election loss. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed on Wednesday that the report regarding the devastating fire at Jhansi Medical College has been received. An investigation into the details of the report will be conducted to determine the causes of the tragic incident. ...Read More >
Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan has called for the replacement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers, citing concerns over the legitimacy of election results. Ranjan raised doubts about the EVM's accuracy, suggesting that the results may be influenced and advocating for a ballot paper system like many other countries. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also echoed similar sentiments, accusing EVMs of wasting votes from marginalized communities. This comes after the Congress' defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly election. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed a petition seeking th ...Read More >
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 >
The Congress leadership was aware it was losing ground to the ruling Mahayuti following the gains made during the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, several party leaders privy to an internal survey less than a month ahead of the November 20 elections have said, adding that the outcome shouldn't exactly come as a shock. As per a report in The Indian Express, several party leaders it spoke to admitted that a survey conducted in 103 "strong MVA seats" showed the Maha Vikas Aghadi ahead in only 44 seats out of 54 it was ahead in during the Lok Sabha elections. On the contrary, the Mahayuti, wh ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) Odisha MLAs across party lines on Tuesday demanded an increase in their salaries and enhanced pensions for former lawmakers. The issue was raised during Zero Hour by Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik, supported by members from both Congress and BJP. Mallik emphasised the need to increase the pension of former MLAs, saying they were struggling to manage due to rising market prices and medical expenses. She pointed out that a committee formed by the previous government had already submitted a report recommending an increase in the salary of MLAs to Rs 2.5 lakh per ...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 >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted searches at 10 locations in Delhi and surrounding areas in connection with an on-going investigation of a transnational cyber enabled fraud case involving large-scale financial scams. CBI registered the said case under Sections 403 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, based on a written complaint received from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The complaint alleged that unknown ...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 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 >
In a heart-wrenching incident, a 30-year-old Dalit youth, who was brutally thrashed, succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a hospital in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, and four people have been arrested in this connection. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Subhashpura police station on Tuesday, however, the matter came to light after a video surfaced on social media showing four persons beating the youth with sticks and pipes mercilessly. In the video, the victim, identified as Vishnu Jatav, was seen being thrashed by a group of men in a field in Indergarh vil ...Read More >
Chandigarh [India], December 3 (ANI): Punjab Legislative Assembly Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Tuesday, slammed the BJP-led central government for neglecting the interests of farmers in Punjab and Haryana. Bajwa's scathing attack comes amidst growing discontent among farmers in the region, who feel their concerns have been ignored by the ruling party. "Ever since the BJP government has come to power, they have not taken a single decision that is in the interest of the farmers of India, especially the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. It is their fundamental rig ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) The Congress Wednesday said a "cover-up" is in the making after reports claimed entities connected to the Adani Group have approached the SEBI seeking settlement in a case that alleges violations of public shareholding norms through unfair practices. It asserted the "scam" requires serious punitive action, including arrests and raids by investigative agencies. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said a token settlement would make Indian institutions a laughing stock whose reputation has already been tarnished by the actions of Prime Minist ...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 >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized cryptocurrency worth Rs 1.36 crore (USDT) from private wallets, along with unexplained cash amounting to Rs 47 lakh, during an investigation into a major money laundering case. The case pertains to cyber fraud involving illegal proceeds of approximately Rs 640 crore, generated through betting, gambling, part-time job scams, and phishing operations. The ED also recovered various incriminating documents linked to the fraud during its crackdown. Also Read | Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Set To Boost Consumer Expe ...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 >
New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday greeted the people on the occasion of 75th Constitution Day. On social media handle X, Kharge said, "The Constitution of India, painstakingly and carefully drafted by our foremothers and forefathers, is the lifeblood of our nation. It guarantees us social, economic and political rights. It constitutes India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC". He said, "Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are not ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Azad Maidan police have registered a case of murder in connection with the mysterious death of a 70-year-old man, Amrutlal Krantilal Patel, in 2021. The FIR has come after directives from the sessions court. The case was filed after Patel's sister, Jyotsnaben Patel, alleged foul play and sought legal intervention. About The Case Patel, a resident of Navsari in Gujarat, had been brought to Bombay Hospital on April 16, 2021, due to deteriorating health but passed away before admission. At the time, the police had classified the case as an accidental death, with an autopsy confirmin ...Read More >
Cybercrime is quickly increasing in India, with reports surfacing daily about victims losing large sums of money to scammers. These scammers often use tactics like threatening a "digital arrest" to instill fear and pressure individuals into transferring money. They typically operate from foreign countries to evade capture by law enforcement. The Indian government, including Prime Minister Modi, is actively raising awareness about these scams. Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a warning to the public regarding international fraud calls. They advised people to be caut ...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 >
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 >
New Delhi: In a deeply disturbing incident in southwest Delhi, a 12-year-old student died at a private school on Tuesday morning, with police suspecting a seizure as the cause of death. However, the boy's family claims he was beaten by a classmate. Police have secured CCTV footage from the school that shows several boys fighting after assembly. The boy, identified as Prince from Kudumpur Pahari in Vasant Vihar, had been enrolled at Chinmaya Vidyalaya through the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota. His family informed him that he had celebrated his 12th birthday on November 3. The school ...Read More >
In a big win for the Uttar Pradesh government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the validity of land acquisition initiated by Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) for the integrated development of the Yamuna Expressway and its adjoining areas in Gautam Budh Nagar. Rejecting a batch of appeals and the cross-appeals filed by the landowners and YEIDA, a Bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta said that the objective of the acquisition was to integrate land development with the Yamuna Expressway's construction, thereby promoting overall growth and serving t ...Read More >
Guwahati, November 27 (IANS): Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday underscored the northeastern region's legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth emphasising its rich cuisine, crafts and biodiversity while inaugurating the 12th edition of the four-day long International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Assam's Kaziranga. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the ITM is a remarkable opportunity for the northeast India to showcase its rich culture and diversity to the world, adding that the event also offers a platform for people from across the g ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after being stopped at the Ghazipur border in Ghaziabad on his way to violence-hit Sambhal. The Congress MP stated that visiting Sambhal was his constitutional duty and described the restrictions placed on him as unconstitutional. Also Read | Naresh Balyan in Trouble: Delhi Police Seeks Arrest of AAP MLA in Fresh Case, Moves Court. https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1864229268210815066 In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote in Hindi: "The police stopped us from go ...Read More >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting of senior civil, police officials and DCs, SSPs of Jammu Division to review the progress of development projects and security situation in the region. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; DGP, Nalin Prabhat; Principal Secretary, Home, Chandraker Bharti; ADGP (Law & Order) Vijay Kumar; ADGP, Jammu, Anand Jain; ADGP, CID, Nitish Kumar; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Shri Mandeep Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; DIGs ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday expressed her sorrow over the havoc wreaked by Cyclone Fengal in south India including Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Offering her condolences to those who lost their loved ones, Vadra appealed to the Congress workers to work with the administration in relief work amid the crisis. "Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. My prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and those facing immense loss and hardship. I appeal to all Congress workers to join hands with ...Read More >
The Huddle was a two-day conclave featuring thought leaders from the world of politics, business, academics, sports and the arts. This conclave saw Sri Lanka's the then leader of Opposition, Mahinda Rajapaksa, politicians Jairam Ramesh, Arif Mohammed Khan, tennis player Sania Mirza, the then Home Minister Rajnath Singh, among other leaders and academics share their ideas. Photo: MURALI KUMAR K A Mixed Legacy: The many facets of Indira Gandhi : Srinath Raghavan, Academic & Author, Jairam Ramesh, Economist & Politician, Shekhar Gupta, Journalist In conversation with Mini Kapoor, Ideas Editor, ...Read More >
The Supreme Court has directed all states and union territories to form internal complaints committees in all government departments and undertakings by specific deadlines. This directive aims to ensure uniform compliance with the POSH Act across the country, highlighting lapses in its enforcement and mandating surveys and reports on adherence.With a view to ensure a nationwide compliance of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all states and union territories to constitute an internal complaints co ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], December 3 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Tuesday that the implementation of the new criminal laws has proven to be a significant milestone in making the Indian justice system more "transparent, effective and in tune" with the needs of the present society. Talking about the laws in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Uttarakhand CM said, "These landmark criminal laws have proved to be a milestone in making the Indian justice system more transparent, effective and in tune with the needs of the present society. These changes mark th ...Read More >