The Economic Times

In a decisive shift since 2024, twenty NDA-led states have implemented the Jan Vishwas reforms, which aim to decriminalize trivial offenses and alleviate regulatory challenges. Chhattisgarh has passed an Ease of Doing Business Act grounded in risk categorization, and Assam has enacted the Jan Vishwas Bill to favor adjudication over prosecution. This trend embodies a trust-oriented regulatory framework taking hold across various regions.

A Group of Ministers will meet Friday to discuss upcoming parliamentary business. The Monsoon Session begins July 20 with potential women's reservation bills. Opposition parties plan to raise issues like the NEET paper leak. Parliamentary committees may report on constitutional amendment bills. The government seeks support for a women's reservation bill and delimitation.

Uttar Pradesh ATS conducted raids at multiple West Bengal locations on Thursday. These searches included a Trinamool leader's home and a madrasa in North 24 Parganas. The raids are connected to an alleged terror-funding case involving overseas money transfers. Both the local leader and his son were reportedly absconding during the search operations. The UP ATS had previously arrested the leader on similar charges two years ago.

The Jammu and Kashmir BJP will protest on July 20 against the current government. This protest aims to expose alleged failures in governance and electoral promises. The opposition party criticizes the administration for neglecting key issues. They state the government diverts attention from its own shortcomings. The BJP intends to voice public concerns across Kashmir.

The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions challenging the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted a prior judgment on similar Bihar petitions. The court upheld the Election Commission's authority to conduct such electoral roll exercises. This decision ensures the constitutional mandate for fair elections is maintained. Proceedings were closed for all thirteen petitions challenging the revision.

In a surprising political move, Trinamool Congress MP Koel Mallick resigned from her position on Thursday, immediately meeting with Union minister Bhupender Yadav afterward. This resignation has reduced the TMC's Rajya Sabha strength from thirteen to nine members. The previous day saw MLA Madan Mitra part ways with the party as well. Mamata Banerjee has urged party members to exit before July twenty-first, emphasizing a clean break.

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Garg, the chairman of Ebix Group, on Tuesday in the multi-crore money laundering case linked to the Mahadev betting app.

NDA floor leaders will meet Friday before Parliament's Monsoon session begins July 20. The opposition plans to attack the government on several key issues. A joint committee report on a Constitution amendment bill is expected soon. This bill seeks to remove officials detained for 30 days on serious charges. The government may also introduce an amended women's reservation bill and a delimitation bill.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy alleged complicity in HMT land diversion during a past tenure. He directed officials to prepare a report on the alleged alienation of 175 acres. Substantial portions of this land were transferred to private entities for development. Kumaraswamy questioned the Karnataka government's readiness to reclaim the land. He displayed maps and documents detailing beneficiaries of these transactions.

aRahul Gandhi discussed Karnataka's cabinet expansion with party leaders. Discussions were incomplete as key leaders were unavailable for meetings. Siddaramaiah is reportedly pushing for Hariprasad's inclusion in the cabinet. Around fifty aspirants are vying for twenty open ministerial positions. New ministers are expected to be sworn in within five to six days.

Congress urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike after nineteen days. The party shares his concerns and demands the Education Minister's resignation. Wangchuk's health has deteriorated significantly, entering a critical stage. He refuses to end his fast without government response and urges support for a march. The Delhi High Court ordered daily health monitoring and medical intervention for the activist.

A Delhi court has permitted jailed MP Engineer Rashid to attend Parliament. He will attend the upcoming Monsoon session while remaining in custody. This custody parole allows him to be escorted by armed police personnel. Rashid faces charges related to terror funding and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. He has been lodged in Tihar Jail since his 2019 arrest.

Maharashtra minister Dattatray Bharne expressed the state's desire for a Marathi prime minister. He believes Devendra Fadnavis is the ideal candidate for this national leadership role. Bharne is confident a Maharashtrian will lead the country in 2029 or 2034. He also supports Sunetra Pawar becoming Maharashtra's first woman chief minister. The Mahayuti alliance currently governs Maharashtra with these leaders.

The Supreme Court is reviewing a plea against Tamil Nadu's electoral roll revision. Several political parties have also approached the apex court challenging this exercise. The Special Intensive Revision aims to update voter lists across several states. This process could potentially disenfranchise voters without due process. The final voter list is scheduled for publication on February 7, 2026.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed his party's protest plan. The protest in Delhi on July 20 will proceed as scheduled. He stated that the venue or mode of protest might change. Abdullah refused to label permission delays as sabotage or diversion tactics. His party intends to raise its voice in Delhi regarding statehood restoration.

The Delhi High Court has granted a final chance for AAP leaders to respond. They must file their replies within two weeks regarding the CBI's plea. The court deferred the hearing to August 17 and 18 for arguments. This case involves the trial court's order discharging them earlier. Lawyers' work abstention caused delays in the proceedings.

Kapil Sibal urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. He criticized the BJP-led Centre as anti-people and lacking dialogue. Wangchuk's health is critical after nineteen days without food. Doctors warned of organ damage while Wangchuk refused to end his fast. Support for the agitation continues to grow from various leaders.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced concern over activist Sonam Wangchuk's health, noting that Wangchuk has lost significant weight during his hunger strike. Abdullah criticised the central government for not appealing to Wangchuk to end his fast.

Congress leaders claim the BJP government is hindering Rahul Gandhi's student event in Dehradun. The event was moved to a smaller venue after permission was cancelled for Parade Ground. Leaders allege this is a deliberate attempt to limit the youth turnout for the program. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address students regarding exam irregularities and paper leaks.

The BJP criticised the Telangana Congress government regarding a school's homework assignment. A private school allegedly asked a Hindu student to learn an Islamic verse. BJP spokespersons accused the Congress of patronizing a conversion mafia in the state. They demanded strict action against the school and its management. The incident has sparked political controversy and accusations of anti-Hindu policies.

Actress-turned-politician Koel Mallick has resigned from the Rajya Sabha after a short tenure. This development follows Madan Mitra's resignation from all Trinamool Congress posts yesterday. Mitra, an MLA, joined a rebel faction citing ineffectiveness within the party. He alleged leadership focused on Abhishek Banerjee instead of organizational strength. Mallick submitted her resignation to Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan.

Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday said the party will hold the PM Narendra Modi-led government accountable on several issues, including alleged corruption, paper leaks, price rise, foreign policy, and the rights of marginalised communities during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh discussed the Uniform Civil Code's implementation. He stated the Animal Husbandry Department controversy proved corruption had occurred. Singh supported his padyatra and urged public participation against donation theft. He also commented on the Ram Mandir donation dispute and SIT probe. The SIT must record statements from all accusers, Singh added.

Congress Party' we will strongly oppose the Delimitation Bill and continue to do so. We will make every effort to maintain unity among all opposition parties, Ramesh said.

The Supreme Court declined a petition for faster disposal of election disputes. It refused to direct the Madras High Court to expedite 54 election petitions. The court stated that entertaining such a plea would set a bad precedent. Petitioners were granted liberty to approach the High Court directly for relief. The plea sought disposal within six months as per the Representation of the People Act.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Dehradun on July seventeenth. He stated Uttarakhand has become an epicentre of paper leaks. Gandhi asserted that youth's future will not be auctioned off. He pledged to stand with students in their fight for rights. The leader promised to turn the voice of students into a roar.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale anticipates the Women's Reservation and Delimitation Bills passing soon. He stated the NDA now holds a clear majority in Parliament. Women will receive reservation in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections after these bills pass. Delimitation is also deemed necessary and is conducted every thirty to thirty-five years. Athawale appealed for support from Congress and other political parties for the bills.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee addressed party rebellion and criticism. She vowed to continue fighting for common people and workers. Banerjee expressed confidence in rebuilding the party despite recent setbacks. She alleged police acted in favor of the BJP during elections. Several leaders have resigned while others face threats and pressure.

Congress MLA Vidya Balakrishnan reported a bribe offer for a ministerial position. A caller claiming to be from the party high command made the proposition. The MLA immediately filed a police complaint after receiving the WhatsApp call. The Kozhikode Cyber Cell has now launched an investigation into this matter. She informed the Congress leadership about the incident as per their direction.

The Calcutta High Court allowed Trinamool's Martyrs' Day rally with a reduced crowd size. The court also stipulated a specific time frame for the commemoration event. Meanwhile, a dissident Trinamool faction received permission for their own rally nearby. Loyalist MLA Madan Mitra resigned from party posts and joined the dissidents. Mitra cited fear of Abhishek Banerjee over the Enforcement Directorate summons.

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee provided his voice sample to a magistrate. This action occurred in connection with an investigation into his alleged intimidatory speech. The Criminal Investigations Department is currently probing this specific case. The Calcutta High Court had previously directed his appearance by a set deadline. Failure to comply could have resulted in a financial penalty for the MP.

Supriya Sule stated the NCP(SP) will consider the delimitation bill. A uniform fifty percent seat increase across all states is required. The party also demands transparency in the delimitation constituency drawing process. Sule clarified her party remains with the INDIA bloc opposition alliance. She addressed reports of her party aligning with the NDA government.

The Supreme Court declined to intervene in a Madras High Court order. This order shields former minister EV Velu from coercive action. The High Court had previously directed Velu to join the ongoing investigation. The state government argued against the blanket embargo on arrest. Velu's counsel stated prosecution followed a change in Tamil Nadu's government.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is currently in Delhi engaging in critical discussions regarding cabinet expansion. He aims to finalize ministerial roles with central Congress leaders in the near future. This move is strategic, as it seeks to bolster the party's standing in the forthcoming 2028 Assembly elections while addressing the complexities of regional and social representation, particularly before the local body elections.

Expressing a readiness for simultaneous polls, the Election Commission has stated that it can proceed with just six months' notice. Ongoing discussions among parliamentary committees concerning the One Nation One Election proposal are indeed fruitful. Experts in constitutional law argue that this scheme aligns with the constitution. Support from civil society and citizens is notable, as ongoing elections can interrupt effective governance and distract officials from their essential roles.

Kalyan Krishnamurthy, the CEO of Flipkart, engaged in a significant dialogue with West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Their agenda included initiatives to elevate digital commerce and foster entrepreneurship within the state. They examined potential support strategies for MSMEs, artisans, and farmers, aiming to harness technology's power to expand market reach and reaffirm West Bengal's commitment to economic development.

The broadside came hours after veteran TMC MLA Madan Mitra formally joined the dissident camp led by Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, adding to the escalating rebellion against the Mamata Banerjee-Abhishek Banerjee leadership. Mondal is already a part of the rebel group.

Mamata Banerjee defended her nephew Abhishek Banerjee against party defectors. She apologized to the public on behalf of the traitors. Banerjee stated neither she nor her family compromised for political survival. She alleged the BJP uses agencies to engineer defections and leaders defect out of fear. Those leaving are entering the BJP's washing machine after facing investigations.

The Election Commission has extended the schedule for Delhi's special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Draft electoral rolls will now be published on August 17, and the final list on October 19. House-to-house visits, initially ending July 29, will now continue until August 8. Delhi is part of Phase 3 of this nationwide revision process. This special intensive revision has seen frequent schedule adjustments.

Supriya Sule stated Sharad Pawar's meeting in Eknath Shinde's office was purely a coincidence. She urged against viewing political meetings with suspicion or as conspiracies. Pawar met his party MLAs after attending a committee meeting on border disputes. Shinde greeted Pawar with a bouquet, showing his large-heartedness. Sule clarified Raut's misunderstanding was resolved after her explanation.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has formed a committee to review the proposed AI township. Farmers are protesting the land acquisition for this large-scale project near Bidadi. The government assures no land will be forcibly acquired from unwilling farmers. This committee will assess the project's merits and gather feedback from all stakeholders. Recommendations from the committee will guide the cabinet's final decision on the township.

Asaduddin Owaisi urged voters to submit SIR enumeration forms early. He stated the process is linked to citizenship and offered app assistance. Owaisi challenged radicalisation narratives, citing targeted violence as true extremism. He also questioned mosque destruction as a form of radicalisation. Special prayers for rain are scheduled for July twenty-sixth.

Senior Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra has resigned from the party. He joined a breakaway faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. This move marks a significant setback for the Trinamool Congress. Mitra was recently appointed the party's Chief Whip in the assembly. His departure is expected to intensify political realignments in West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee provided his voice sample to a magistrate. This action was in connection with an investigation into his alleged intimidatory speech. The Calcutta High Court had directed Banerjee to appear before the magistrate for this purpose. He had previously not appeared on two earlier ordered dates for giving his sample. The high court also directed police to ensure he faced no harassment.

Sanjay Raut attacked the Eknath Shinde government, calling its actions stolen property. He also criticized the BJP for demanding prayers while ignoring temple fund allegations. Raut dismissed reports of MVA rifts and potential defections as deliberate rumors. He defended Jayant Patil's meeting with the Chief Minister regarding a local issue.

Former CEC S Y Quraishi advocates for the right to vote as a fundamental right. He questions why the right not to vote is constitutional but voting is not. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also supports elevating voting rights to a fundamental status. This move aims to protect against voter suppression and arbitrary disqualifications. Historical discussions and recent judicial opinions highlight this ongoing debate.