CM Dhami also purchased rakhis made by the women of local self-help groups and appreciated their skills and hard work. The Chief Minister encouraged their efforts and said that the Sashakt Behna Utsav Yojana has provided livelihood opportunities to a large number of women, with many also benefiting from the initiative last year.
Sanjay Raut challenged Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah to sing Vande Mataram without teleprompters. He also questioned the government's economic record and rising inflation. The BJP condemned the Congress decision to sing only two stanzas of the national song. Congress leaders accused the BJP of politicizing patriotism and nationalism for political gain. Both parties are trading charges over the national song's recitation and its significance.
CM Devendra Fadnavis attacked the Congress, accusing the party of losing touch with voters and relying on public statements to remain politically relevant. "Their job is just to make speeches every day and stay relevant through television; that's all they do. They have lost touch with the ground. This party is limited to merely issuing statements," he claimed.
"I have served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India for 12 to 14 years because I was elected. Manan Mishra represents 25 lakh lawyers; he will not step down simply," Mishra said. The lawyers demanding his resignation also sought the implementation of an Advocate Protection Act and questioned the proposed increase in registration fees at State Bar Councils.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the US has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs, which found the proposed activities unsuitable. However, he has secured clearance for his trip to the UK. As a result, the Chief Minister's office confirmed the cancellation of the US portion, prompting an earlier return to Hyderabad than originally planned.
Arvind Kejriwal has accused BJP supporters of assaulting volunteers from the Cockroach Janata Party during their inspection of a local school. Reports indicate that the volunteers faced violence and had their vehicles damaged by villagers. They expressed frustration over police inaction, demanding that those responsible be arrested within 48 hours.
Akhilesh Yadav is strategically extending his political outreach to Brahmins in preparation for the 2027 elections. He asserts that this community has suffered greatly under the current regime. This initiative seeks to enlarge his political coalition, moving beyond his usual support base. Mayawati rebuts this tactic, labeling it as political trickery. The Brahmin vote is crucial, drawing attention from various political factions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the newly appointed national office-bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He highlighted the team's blend of experience, vitality, and strong grassroots ties. Nitin Nabin leads this refreshed squad, which features thirteen vice presidents and a new treasurer, maintaining prominent positions for individuals like Piyush Goyal and B L Santosh, while introducing new national secretaries to bolster the party's framework.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma said his government was working towards the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat-Viksit Rajasthan’ by 2047, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed country by that year. He pointed to the expansion of Rajasthan's road network and said infrastructure development remained a key focus for the state. Sharma also highlighted India's economic and technological progress.
Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed young lawyers at the Supreme Court Bar Association's event. He acknowledged India's progress while stressing much remains to be done. The responsibility of the legal profession will soon rest on their shoulders. He highlighted the historical connection between law and India's freedom struggle. Young lawyers are encouraged to protect and carry forward justice institutions.
The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval towards the government's procrastination regarding food warning labels, specifically calling out the FSSAI. The justices mandated that the Centre has a fortnight to cement its decision, prioritizing public health, particularly for children. The court dismissed claims surrounding traditional foods and foreign standards, signaling that judicial actions could follow if a definitive choice remains absent.
Sukhbir Singh Badal faced an unsettling attack during his visit to Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, where an assailant attempted to stab him. Fortunately, security personnel quickly intervened to subdue the attacker, who had been living at the gurdwara for two years. Badal suffered a hand injury and received necessary medical care, while a security inspector was also injured.
From medical evaluation and registry enrolment to waitlist priority, organ matching, surgery and lifelong follow-up, the transplant process in India involves multiple clinical, regulatory and coordination stages before a patient receives an organ.
Shiromani Akali Dal has expressed strong support for the prompt enactment of the women's reservation bill, emphasizing the need for fair delimitation to ensure equitable state representation. This advocacy follows a meeting between party president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speculation is rife regarding a potential electoral partnership between SAD and BJP, particularly as both parties have faced declining influence in Punjab's political landscape.
In the meeting, which also included the rebel factions from the Uddhav Sena and Mamata Banerjee's TMC, PM Modi said: "No one should say anything trashy on TV. Maintain full dignity at all times. Engage actively in social media through Facebook, Instagram and X; interact with youth, inform government welfare work, encourage youth for sports activities." Modi advised the MPs to follow the party line and calmly present their views on every issue.
Parliament proceedings faced disruptions as opposition parties demanded Union home minister Amit Shah's statement. Rajya Sabha Chairman asked Kiren Rijiju to convey the opposition's sentiments to the home minister. Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the demand for a statement and discussion on the police action. Rijiju said Kharge had not cited any rule while making the request.
Tamil Nadu's opposition leader M.K. Stalin criticized the TVK government's budget as a waste. He stated the budget repackaged old schemes and lacked new vision. The finance minister presented a budget aiming for a $1.5 trillion economy by 2031. Opposition parties also pointed out unfulfilled election promises and debt concerns. The budget included allocations for schools, higher education, and welfare initiatives.
The demonstrators demanded immediate release of all students still in jail and the withdrawal of criminal cases registered against those arrested during the statewide agitation. "We want a verified list of those who have been released from jail and those who are still behind bars after being arrested during the protests," one of the protesters said. A student activist from Siwan also alleged excessive use of force during earlier protests.
Over 150 recruitment exam irregularity cases await trial, some dating back two decades. The CBI will ask high courts to move these pending matters to new fast-track courts. Dedicated prosecutors and resources will be provided to expedite the conclusion of these trials. The new anti-paper leak law mandates day-to-day hearings and trials within three months. This initiative follows recent student protests and calls for examination system reforms.
Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati expelled former Rajya Sabha member Ashok Siddarth from the party. Siddarth faced expulsion for indiscipline and violating party directives in several states. The party chief also announced the expulsion of coordinator Randhir Singh Beniwal for similar reasons. Mayawati clarified that senior Uttar Pradesh office-bearers would not hold state roles. Ramji Gautam will continue as Punjab in-charge until upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha polls.
Two migrant labourers were killed in a terrorist attack in Kulgam district. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah questioned the timing of this incident. He noted such attacks occur when his party demands statehood restoration. People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti called the killings a security lapse. She requested a high-level investigation and compensation for the victims.
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