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.
New Delhi: The confirmation that Bangladesh will go to the polls in April 2026 - announced by interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday - may appear to be a domestic development, but its ramifications stretch far beyond national borders. For India, which shares not just a border but deep economic and security ties with Bangladesh, the delayed return to democratic governance presents a delicate geopolitical balancing act. With rising Chinese investment and potential political realignments in Dhaka, the outcome of this extended transition could redefine the strategic equation in South Asia. "The government has held discussions with all parties to organise the most free, fair, competitive and acceptable elections in history," the Daily Star news website quoted Yunus as saying in an address to the nation on the eve of the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha. "In addition, after reviewing the ongoing reform activities related to justice, reform and elections, I am announcing to the countrymen today that the next national elections will be held on a day in the first half of April 2026." The announcement marks a significant turning point in Bangladesh's political landscape following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024. Over the past few months, Yunus has repeatedly indicated that the next general elections would be held sometime between December 2025 and June 2026, depending on the pace and progress of institutional reforms. Meanwhile, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allied parties have been firmly demanding that elections be conducted by December 2025. In contrast, the National Citizen Party (NCP) - a newly established political formation led by figures from the July 2024 uprising - has insisted that elections should take place only after a full slate of political and electoral reforms is completed. The Jamaat-e-Islami initially supported the NCP's position but later proposed February 2026, just ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as a suitable timeframe. More recently, senior Jamaat leaders signalled flexibility, stating that elections could be held anytime between December and April. Adding to the pressure, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, in a statement on May 21, publicly advocated for the national election to be held by December this year. Yunus's announcement on Friday, coming amid intense international scrutiny and domestic political uncertainty following the ouster of Hasina, holds wide-ranging implications not just for Bangladesh's domestic trajectory but also for its bilateral relations with India and the broader geopolitical balance in South Asia. Since the political upheaval of mid-2024, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim technocratic administration led by Nobel laureate Yunus. The caretaker government was ostensibly installed with the primary mandate to stabilise the country, initiate electoral reforms, and prepare for free and fair elections. The announcement of a timeline for elections - albeit in April 2026 rather than by end-202 - marks a critical juncture. It suggests that the interim government is not rushing the process under political pressure, likely to ensure the credibility and transparency of the polls. But this extended timeline also introduces a layer of political ambiguity and potential volatility, which India and other regional actors will surely be monitoring closely. India has long valued political stability in Bangladesh as critical for regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic connectivity. Since Hasina came to power in 2009, bilateral ties flourished, especially in the domains of counter-insurgency coordination, infrastructure connectivity, energy cooperation, and border management. Her sudden departure from power raised alarm bells in New Delhi, especially given the rise in political uncertainty and the resurgence of forces that are less friendly to India. India has invested heavily in regional connectivity through Bangladesh -- road, rail, inland waterways, and energy pipelines. Projects like the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP), the Akhaura-Agartala rail link, and joint power ventures had gained momentum under the Hasina regime. These initiatives are not merely bilateral; they are critical to India's Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
New Delhi [India], November 26 (ANI): Spiritual guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru, on Tuesday came out strongly and expressed grave concern over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent ISKCON leader in Bangladesh. Taking to social media platform X, Sadhguru highlighted the shift from a democratic to a theocratic and autocratic system in Bangladesh, stressing the importance of understanding the value of an open democracy. He pointed out that persecution based on religion or demographic weaknesses is not in line with democratic ideals. Also Read | UK Horror: Transgender ...Read More >
DHAKA: Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das failed to get any relief on Tuesday as his bail hearing in a Bangladesh court was postponed for a month due to the unavailability of any lawyer to represent him, according to a media report. After an initial hearing on the bail petition on Tuesday, the judge set January 2 for another hearing, Chattogram Metropolitan Police ADC (Prosecution) Mofizur Rahman was quoted as saying by bdnews24.com. Das will have to wait a month to see if he will receive bail in a sedition case against him, it said. His bail plea was set to be heard by the court of Chattogra ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: In a major development in Bangladesh, the chief advisor (CA) of its interim government Muhammad Yunus on Friday announced that the much-awaited national election will take place in the first half April 2026, adding the election commission of the country will provide the road map for polls in due course. Mr Yunus urged the maximum number of people to vote so that the elections "are remembered by the nation as the most free, fair and impartial" and the country does not plunge into a crisis like it did last year. With one of the prominent parties Awami League (AL) out of contention due ...Read More >
Hindus and members of other minority groups say they have faced more attacks than ever since an interim government replaced the ousted prime minister, as Islamist groups have become more prominent and demoralized security agencies have left a security vacuum. The government says the threat to Hindus has been exaggerated. Around 91% of Bangladeshs population is Muslim, with Hindus making up almost all of the rest. Officials, witnesses and local media reports said that Krishna Das Prabhu, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested in Dhakas main airport on Monday while traveli ...Read More >
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (November 26, 2024), indicated a level of hypocrisy attached to criticism about Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), saying ""EVMs are tampered when you lose and fine if you win". The oral remark was made by Justice Vikram Nath before dismissing a petition filed by evangelist K.A. Paul, who urged for a judicial order to return to paper ballots. Also read:EVM-VVPAT case | Cannot disclose 'source code' of EVMs, will result in misuse: Supreme Court Justice Nath, during the hearing, asked Mr. Paul whether he wanted to turn the court into a political arena. Mr. Paul sa ...Read More >
NEW DELHI (AP) - A controversial legislation submitted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi´s government to change India's voting system failed to pass Tuesday in the country's lower house of Parliament. Law minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, presented the legislation which proposed allowing elections for state assemblies and the national parliament to be held simultaneously. However, it was not approved as the vote fell short of the required two-thirds majority; only 269 lawmakers voted in favor of the proposal while 198 were against it. The government says simultaneous polls will result in higher eco ...Read More >
Guwahati: A group of intellectuals and prominent citizens met the officials of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala and demanded the immediate release of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh. Various other organisations also organised protest rallies and demonstrations against the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. The intellectuals under the banner of 'Forum for Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh' urged the Bangladesh caretaker government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to make all efforts to protect the minorities in Bangla ...Read More >
Dhaka: India should 'unequivocally' recognise the July-August uprising, which toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's regime, to start bilateral ties afresh, a key aide of Bangladesh's interim government said Wednesday. In a Facebook post, Mahfuj Alam -- considered a de facto minister in the interim government and a key leader of Bangladesh's Anti-Discrimination Students Movement -- noted that the Indian establishment tried to portray the uprising as "something militant, anti-Hindu, and an Islamist takeover" and asked India to "change the Post '75 playbook and realise the new Bangladesh realit ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 6 (PTI) The Kerala Government's decision to change Bakrid holiday triggered a political row in the state on Friday with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) accusing it of attempting to implement "communal agenda and fascism" in the state. Originally Friday (June 6) was marked as holiday for Bakrid. However, following the reports that the festival would be celebrated on Saturday across the state, on Thursday, the Kerala government announced that Saturday, June 7, will be a public holiday for Bakrid. As per the change, government also declared that June 6 (Friday) wou ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 06: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have extended greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. They expressed hope that the revered occasion brings peace and prosperity to the region. Dr Farooq Abdullah National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people on Eid-ul-Adha, wishing them peace, prosperity and unity. In his message, Dr Abdullah reflected on the profound significance of the day, saying, "As the Muslim Ummah comes together in celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my warmest greetings to ever ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 7 (ANI): Kerala Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, on Friday, greeted the Muslim brothers and sisters of Kerala on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Ad'ha. "Eid-ul-Ad'ha glorifies the spirit of sacrifice and everlasting faith in the Almighty, inspire humanity to stay united through love, compassion and kind deeds that foster brotherhood and social harmony," the governor's X post read. Also Read | Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: Desperate Pakistan Wrote 4 Letters to India, Pleading Reinstatement of IWT, Say Sources. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] June 7 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy conveyed his greetings to the Muslim community on Bakrid (Eid al Adha), a festival celebrated as a symbol of sacrifice, an official statement said. The Chief Minister remembered that Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Kabir in memory of one of the Islamic prophets, Ibrahim Assalam, who announced his readiness to sacrifice his son, obeying the orders of Almighty Allah. Also Read | Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: Desperate Pakistan Wrote 4 Letters to India, Pleading Reinstatement of IWT, Say Sources. ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy extended greetings to the Muslim fraternity on the occasion of Bakrid (Eid ul Azha) festival which is being celebrated as a symbol of sacrifice. The Chief Minister remembered that Muslims all over the world celebrate Bakrid in memory of one of the Islam prophets Ibrahim Assalam, who announced his readiness to sacrifice his son obeying the orders of Almighty Allah. Bakrid festival reflects the unwavering devotion and sacrifice of the prophets, CM Revanth Reddy said, adding that the festival also professes a great message to humanity that people should ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 7 (UNI) President of India Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the people on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha. The President of India in a post on X said, "On the auspicious occasion of Eid-uz-Zuha. I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all my countrymen, especially to my Muslim brothers and sisters. The festival highlights the importance of sacrifice, faith and many noble ideals. On the auspicious occasion, let us all take a pledge to work with a spirit of dedication for the society and the country.' "W ...Read More >
H.E. Josel Francisco Ignacio, current Ambassador of the Philippines to India shares his credentials with President Droupadi Murmu On 16 November 1949, the Philippines and India, the two independent democracies would forge diplomatic ties. The two republics were born just a few years apart, first set out on the road to their bilateral friendship and collaboration. This inaugurated a period of closer government interaction, commerce and investment, and other bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Building on much common ground in history, democratic ideals, socio-economic imperatives and aspi ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): India has expressed its concern over the escalating incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and desecration, and damage to their places of worship, and has also called on the interim government there to ensure the safety of minorities. In a response to question asked by RJD MP AD Singh, Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs, Kirit Vardhan Singh in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, stated that the "primary responsibility" for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, "rests with ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The heads of the border guard forces of India and Bangladesh will meet in New Delhi in mid-February for the first time since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government to discuss key issues such as the fencing of the boundary and tackling trans-border crime. The director general of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, will travel to India during February 16-19 for talks with the head of the Border Security Force (BSF), Daljit Singh Chawdhary, people familiar with preparations for the meeting said on condition of anonymity on Wednesday. Siddiqui's t ...Read More >
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 7 (ANI): PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter Iltija Mufti offered Namaz in Srinagar on Saturday on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. Pointing out that the gates of the Jama Masjid have been 'locked again', PDP leader Iltija Mufti said, 'Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been put under house arrest again. I want to ask the NC government and the LG why Mirwaiz is still being placed under house arrest when you claim everything is normal. As India's only and the largest Muslim majority state, we Kashmiris have the right to worship... More than infrastructure, we ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday extended greetings on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. On the occasion, the President urged the countrymen to take a pledge to work with a spirit of dedication for the society and the country. In a social media post on X, the President wrote, 'On the auspicious occasion of Eid-uz-Zuha, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all my countrymen, especially my Muslim brothers and sisters. This festival explains the importance of sacrifice, faith and many noble ideals. On this auspicious occasion, let us all take a pled ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra attend the G7 summit in Canada was due and 'had to come' with India being a big geopolitical power, Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said on Saturday. 'Invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit was due, it had to come. India is too big a power now, geopolitically, economically, and with our common sense in this world which is in the middle of a conflict. India had to be a participant at the table there,' Sachdev told ANI here. Talking about the 'gossip' about Canada not inviting India to the ...Read More >
Deposed Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday that he has been the mastermind behind the targeted violence against the minorities, especially Hindus in Bangladesh. She said this while virtually addressing the Awami league event in Now York. Hasina claimed that Yunus led the mass killing under a meticulously planned crusade with the help of student coordinators. The statement comes in the wake of heightened unrest after the arrest of ISKCON affiliated Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das. She also stressed upon the statement of the son of her political rival Khaleda Zia, Ta ...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 >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] June 7 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy conveyed his greetings to the Muslim community on Bakrid (Eid al Adha), a festival celebrated as a symbol of sacrifice, an official statement said. The Chief Minister remembered that Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Kabir in memory of one of the Islamic prophets, Ibrahim Assalam, who announced his readiness to sacrifice his son, obeying the orders of Almighty Allah. CM Revanth Reddy expressed that the festival conveys a powerful message to humanity: people should strive to lead joyful lives while ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra attend the G7 summit in Canada was due and 'had to come' with India being a big geopolitical power, Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said on Saturday. 'Invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit was due, it had to come. India is too big a power now, geopolitically, economically, and with our common sense in this world which is in the middle of a conflict. India had to be a participant at the table there,' Sachdev told ANI here. Talking about the 'gossip' about Canada not inviting India to the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 3 (PTI) The Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid on Tuesday described as "reprehensible" the alleged mistreatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and asked that country's interim government to take immediate steps to prevent such acts. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, since Sheikh Hasina's resignation as prime minister in August following months-long students-led protests. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi To Visit Sambhal: DM Requests Neighbouring Districts To Restrict Congress Leader's Proposed Visit to Violence-Hit Town. ...Read More >
New Delhi: A section of Bangladesh media has come out against the ordinance brought by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus saying the new definition of freedom fighter has only led to confusion, controversy and ambiguities. While questions are being raised on the need to change the definition of freedom fighters and the interim government's intentions behind this, editorials have also questioned the need for the interim government to go for such major policy level changes when it is there only for a short period and its larger aim is to prepare grounds for elections. Bangla media Dai ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Union Minister Kiren Rijiju extended warm greetings to the Muslim community on the occasion of Eid al-Adha on Saturday. In a post on X, Rijju wrote, 'Happy Eid al-Adha! Heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim brothers and sisters on this occasion.' Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha, extending his warm greetings and expressing hope that the festival would further foster harmony and peace within the country. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, 'Best wishes on Eid ul-Adha. May this occasion inspire harmony a ...Read More >
Kolkata, Dec 10 (PTI) ISKCON on Tuesday called upon the UNHCR to take note of atrocities on religious minorities in Bangladesh and said such violations of human rights are deeply saddening. The interim government in Bangladesh should take strong action against the fundamentalists fomenting trouble in that country and arrest them to build confidence among the minorities there, ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das said. His comment comes on the occasion of the Human Rights Day. "Wake up, @UNHumanRights! Wake up -- at least today, on #HumanRightsDay. Your silence and blind eye toward the ongoing ...Read More >