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.
Keralam Assembly Elections 2026: Opinion polls do not indicate a clear lead for LDF. Surveys show very tight race between LDF and UDF, with some even giving UDF a slight advantage. Keralam Assembly Elections 2026: Kerala has long alternated between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) every five years. This pattern has created an assumption that the ruling party is always vulnerable to anti-incumbency. After two consecutive terms in office (2016-2026), Pinarayi Vijayan's LDF faces a degree of voter fatigue. Surveys show the sentiment is real but fragmented. Vote Vibe (July 2025) reported 47.9% of voters express strong anti-incumbency, while Manorama-C Voter (March 2026) put it at 53%. LDF's strengths and challenges Despite anti-incumbency sentiment, the LDF retains advantages. Welfare schemes such as pensions and healthcare, along with crisis management during floods and COVID, help blunt discontent. Data also shows incumbent MLAs win at high rates - 78% in 2011, 76% in 2016, and 84% in 2021. Yet, complaints over centralised decision-making, governance lapses, and financial stress make the race more competitive than in previous elections. Opposition landscape The UDF faces an uphill battle. Its senior leadership and organisational strength remain intact, and recent local body wins show promise. However, internal disunity and disputes over candidate selection weaken its appeal. The BJP-led NDA also competes for anti-LDF votes, adding pressure on the UDF. Public perception of the opposition as anti-development and lacking a clear vision further complicates its prospects. Key drivers of voter discontent Voters are concerned with economic distress, high youth unemployment (over 15%), migration issues, inflation, and delayed welfare payments. Governance lapses, including corruption scandals, medical negligence, custodial deaths, and law-and-order issues, fuel discontent. Identity and regional issues - Christian church disputes, wildlife conflicts, and voter roll exclusions - also influence segments of the electorate. What opinion polls predicted? Latest opinion polls do not indicate a clear lead for the LDF in Kerala. Most surveys show a very tight race between the LDF and the UDF, with some even giving the UDF a slight advantage. IANS-Matrize: LDF 61-71, UDF 58-69, NDA around 2; shows a very close contest. Network18: LDF 68-74, UDF 64-70, NDA 1-3; LDF has a slight edge. Manorama News-C Voter: LDF 57-69, UDF 69-81, NDA 1-5; UDF ahead. NDTV Profit / mixed district poll: Results vary by region, showing swings in different districts. The LDF is still expected to secure a large block of seats, but it cannot rely on a comfortable wave. Polling averages suggest a narrow range where either the LDF or the UDF could form the government. NDA's limited but real presence could also influence outcomes in closely contested constituencies. Why anti-incumbency may be limited in Kerala? The LDF's strong cadre network, welfare delivery, and Vijayan's leadership help contain dissatisfaction. Fragmented opposition and internal infighting prevent a consolidated anti-incumbency wave. Polls project tight margins rather than a rout, suggesting that while voter desire for change exists, it may not translate into a sweeping defeat. A third term for Pinarayi Vijayan is possible but not guaranteed. Anti-incumbency is real but overstated, with local issues, candidate profiles, and performance likely to play a decisive role. Kerala's Assembly election is on 9 April, and counting of votes is on 4 May.
Lucknow, December 3: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday, emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on using the term "Divyang" and respecting their sentiments has inspired persons with disabilities to advance in life and various fields with dignity. He highlighted that whenever Divyangjans have been given opportunities, they have consistently demonstrated their exceptional talents and abilities. Speaking at a state-level award ceremony at Lok Bhavan on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Chief Minister celebrated the achievements of Divyangjans and reaffi ...Read More >
Kochi: The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) made significant gains in the bypolls to 31 local body wards in Kerala, held on November 20, according to results released by the State Election Commission (SEC) on Wednesday. The bypolls were held in one district panchayat ward, four block panchayat wards, three municipality wards, and 23 grama panchayat wards. In the previous elections held in 2020, the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) controlled 15 wards, the UDF controlled 13, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controlled 3. Also Read: Bypolls in 15 seats across Uttar Pradesh, P ...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 >
NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Atishi on Thursday described Aam Admi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal as a prominent leader and said he is the first leader who understood the pain of women. "Arvind Kejriwal, the prominent leader, is the first leader in the history of this country who understood the pain of women. The biggest concern for women is that they have to stretch out their hands before a man even for their humble needs. In childhood, it is before their parents, before their spous ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 18 (PTI) Ahead of BJD's 28th foundation day on December 26, its chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday urged members to remain dedicated to serving the people of Odisha, while the party announced a mass demonstration in Bhubaneswar on January 6 to highlight the price rise of essential commodities and other issues. Patnaik asked party supporters to "raise voice against the BJP government's 'anti-people' policies" and also highlight the impact of high inflation, which hits the poor and middle class. "The party leaders and workers need to create awareness among people on the state B ...Read More >
Mumbai, May 21: The 8th Pay Commission has been officially announced by the Indian government, with no doubt a significant activity for some 1 crore central government employees and pensioners for the consideration of the revisions of salaries and pensions. The primary role of this commission will be to identify the fitment factor, the multiplier used to increase basic pay, and review minimum wages and keep them relevant to the current economic situation. A prominent recommendation from the Staff Side indicates a desire to combine lower pay levels for a fairer wage structure and to facilitate ...Read More >
Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar over crime, unemployment and migration by writing on social media platform X on Thursday. The post came a day ahead of his visit to the state to participate in 'women-oriented programmes' at Rajgir and Nalanda. He also exhorted the people to "change the cycle of injustice and put Bihar on the path of safety, self-respect and dignity." Rahul's remarks came in the light of the rape of an 11-year-old Dalit girl in a village Muzaffarpur district last week (May 26 ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jun 5 (PTI) The Assam Congress on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into alleged illegal stone mining in Karbi Anglong district in violation of a Supreme Court order. Addressing a press conference here, former Rajya Sabha member Ripun Bora also alleged that Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was allowing illegal activities in the district in nexus with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Large-scale illegal stone mining is taking place in the hills of Karbi Anglong in violation of the Supreme Court order. The SC had banned mining in and around K ...Read More >
Patna: Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor speaks during the 'Bihar Badlav' rally, in Patna, Friday, April 11, 2025. "Declare Nitish Kumar as the Chief Minister candidate if he is the face of the NDA," challenged Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder Prashant Kishor on May 30, as he toured the state in his 'Bihar Badlav Yatra'. Mr. Kishor, a political strategist, who was instrumental in strategising several political campaigns, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, is setting himself up as a third alternative in Bihar beside the Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left) and the Na ...Read More >
The chip makers around the world felt the relief of a rumor suggesting that the sales curb to China could be less severe than previously expected. But the news didn't necessarily translate in a strong rally. ASML (NASDAQ:ASML) - Europe's biggest chip equipment maker that predicted a 30% fall to its Chinese revenue next year - closed 0.22% lower yesterday, while Tokyo Electron - which was up by more than 6% yesterday - couldn't extend gains at today's session. With US markets paused for the Thanksgiving break, France was at the heart of the attention yesterday. The political drama, there, only ...Read More >
The financial repercussions of Parliament disruptions are considerable, impacting both public resources and the productivity of the nation's legislative process. However, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have cumulatively functioned for merely 2 hours, with daily disruptions and sloganeering resulting in adjournments. The Rajya Sabha faced disruptions today (December 2) as Vice Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed discontent over sloganeering by Opposition MPs. The protests, which centered around demands for discussions on key issues, forced the Vice Chairman to adjourn the session until 12 ...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 >
Jharkhand supplementary budget: The Jharkhand Assembly on Thursday (December 12) passed the second supplementary budget of Rs 11,697.45 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Following the budget's passage, Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato adjourned the four-day session of the assembly sine die. Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore tabled the second supplementary budget, with the largest allocation of Rs 6,390.55 crore directed to the Women, Child Development, and Social Security Department. This significant funding aims to enhance the government's flagship initiative, the Maiyan Samman Yojana. Und ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticised Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and called him "factually incorrect" over his remark that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID. He added that the people of India have reaffirmed their trust in the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "As the world's largest democracy, India conducted the 2024 elections with over 640 million voters. People of India reaffirmed their trust in the ND led by PM @narendramodi Ji's leadership. Mr. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, ...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 >
PNB shares 1.69 per cent in Friday's trading sessionNaga Chaitanya-Sobhita pre-wedding celebrations are on! Check pictures from their Haldi ceremonyWelfare pension fraud: Luxury car owners, affluent individuals found on beneficiary listsAshok Leyland shares 0.49% as Sensex risesRealty sector business sentiment signals growth, sustained optimism, surveyInfo Edge stock price 0.81 per cent as SensexWho is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari; the ex-Iskcon member caught in the middle of communal tensions in Bangladesh?Amid suspense over Maharashtra CM, major Mahayuti meet cancelledMarico shares 0.52% ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 5 (PTI) The presence of a Bharat Mata portrait, allegedly associated with RSS shakhas, at a World Environment Day event at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday led to the state government boycotting the programme, prompting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to assert that there would be no compromise on Bharat Mata. Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad, who boycotted the event, said that the state government respects Bharat Mata, but using an image commonly associated with RSS shakhas for an official function at Raj Bhavan is unconstitutional. While the Raj Bhavan went ahead ...Read More >
Haridwar: A woman politician has been arrested for allegedly letting her boyfriend and others repeatedly rape her 13-year-old daughter in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The horrifying crime, which occurred between January and March, was exposed when the minor bravely confided in her father, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of the accused. The accused was arrested with her boyfriend and one more. According to police reports, the minor was gang-raped multiple times, often in the presence of her mother. The minor, who had been living with her father following her parents' separat ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: BJD parliamentary party convened at Naveen Niwas on Tuesday, with Party supremo and leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik chairing a crucial pre-budget session meeting. The meeting, attended by all seven BJD Rajya Sabha members, started on a celebratory note as members congratulated Patnaik for steering Odisha to the top position in fiscal management nationwide, as per a recent survey. According to the NITI Aayog Fiscal Health Index Report-2025, Odisha achieved the highest overall fiscal health score of 67.8% in 2022-23, marking a remarkable turnaround from the state's financial b ...Read More >
New Delhi: Congress MP and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Monday made a rare praise for the 'Make In India' program, even commending the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing in the 'good idea' but then went to disapprove it by calling it 'damp squib'. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, Gandhi said 'Make in India' was conceptually good but the PM failed to deliver the results despite making a good effort. "Prime Minister proposed the Make In India program. I think it was a good idea, however the result is in front of you all, ...Read More >
Kochi, Feb 3 (PTI) The opposition Congress-led UDF on Monday intensified its criticism of Union Ministers George Kurian and Suresh Gopi over their recent controversial statements, calling their remarks "immature" and accusing BJP leaders like them of having contempt for Kerala. Addressing reporters here, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, V D Satheesan, strongly criticised the "backward" remark made by Kurian, the Minister of State for Minorities and Fisheries, on Union Budget day, and stated that Kerala has only sought the funds it rightfully deserves from the centre. Taking a ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
The new circle rates in Gurugram have come into effect from December 1 Gurugram: People eyeing a home in Gurugram will now have to pay more as the district administration has hiked the circle rates by 10% to 30%, driven mainly by demand. Luxury residential areas like Golf Course Road are likely to see a 30% hike in circle rates. According to reports, the new circle rates have come into effect from December 1 and will be applicable at least till March 31 next year. The price hike, however, has irked the residents, who alleged that the administration should also "improve basic amenities". Gu ...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 >
Ranchi, Dec 12 (PTI)The Jharkhand Assembly on Thursday passed the second supplementary budget of Rs 11,697.45 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal. After this, the four-day session of the assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato. Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore tabled the second supplementary budget, allocating a maximum outlay of Rs 6,390.55 crore to the women, child development and social security department to boost the government's flagship scheme Maiyan Samman Yojana. Under this scheme, the state government initially provided Rs 1,000 per month to women between the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) Gold prices climbed Rs 500 to Rs 80,900 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday due to persistent buying by retailers and jewellers, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity finished at Rs 80,400 per 10 grams in the previous trading session. The yellow metal has jumped nearly Rs 2,000 in the past three sessions. Silver also rallied Rs 700 to Rs 97,000 per kg on Thursday. The white metal settled at Rs 96,300 per kg in the previous session. The price of gold of 99.5 per cent purity also surged Rs 500 to Rs 80,5 ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) It will be a two-way fight between incumbent Arun Jaitley and former India cricketer Kirti Azad for the president's post in the three-day DDCA elections beginning here on Friday. The results will be declared on December 16. The Jaitley-led panel holds significant clout among the 3748 members likely to vote in the elections. Azad, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning India team and sitting Trinamool Congress MP from Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency, is confident of change in Delhi & District Cricket Association, which is not the best governed BCCI affiliated state uni ...Read More >
NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule is consulting experts on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) following Maharashtra's assembly poll results. The opposition questions EVM credibility after the Mahayuti coalition's significant win. Sule advocates for ballot papers, citing other countries' adoption, and will announce a final decision soon.NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Saturday said the opinion of experts is being sought over the "EVM issue" in the wake of the Maharashtra assembly polls' mandate as she b ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) It will be a two-way fight between incumbent Arun Jaitley and former India cricketer Kirti Azad for the president's post in the three-day DDCA elections beginning here on Friday. The results will be declared on December 16. The Jaitley-led panel holds significant clout among the 3748 members likely to vote in the elections. Also Read | India Women's Cricket Team Fined For Slow Over-Rate in Second ODI Against Australia. Azad, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning India team and sitting Trinamool Congress MP from Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency, is confident of change ...Read More >