The Economic Times
Elections 2026Politics / The Economic Times
Union minister JP Nadda welcomed CJP's decision to cancel their September 5 protest. The government assured students that cases would be withdrawn and no strict action taken. This assurance was given after talks held on July 25, 2026, with student representatives. Discussions were also held with BJP-ruled state governments regarding the withdrawal of cases. The government prioritizes the progress and development of the nation's youth.
A faction of rebel Trinamool MPs has formally asked the Lok Sabha Speaker for additional time to address disqualification notices presented by Abhishek Banerjee. They requested a period of three weeks to formulate a comprehensive and suitable response. This plea follows notices issued by the Supreme Court to these MPs, who remain unrecognized as a distinct parliamentary group by the Speaker.
The BJP plans extensive youth outreach programs to connect with students. Prime Minister Modi will likely address students at Delhi University's Shri Ram College. A month-long yatra from Vadnagar to Varanasi will highlight government initiatives. Various youth-centric events like hackathons and marathons are scheduled. This outreach aims to strengthen the party's connection with young voters.
The Supreme Court urged the Centre to study totaliser machines for vote counting. This mechanism aims to protect voter secrecy and prevent individual booth identification. The court seeks to understand potential impediments and negative impacts of introducing such a system. The Election Commission of India supported anonymising voter choices but noted practical challenges. These include statutory amendments and difficulties in cross-checking results.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during the SCO Summit. This meeting marked the first interaction between the two leaders, aiming to improve political relations. The leaders exchanged views, described as an icebreaker in their political ties. This engagement occurs amidst a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Modi also met Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon at the summit.
The Calcutta High Court questioned a PIL concerning Mamata Banerjee's alleged remarks. The court observed that public interest litigations are used as a special tool. The petitioner alleged Banerjee's comments impacted India's national interest. State counsel submitted the petitioner was not present at the rally. The court scheduled further consideration for September 14.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has been the target of a chilling death threat from an unidentified source, alleging that terrorists plan to assassinate him. Following this alarming message, which provided two mobile numbers and a direct threat to his life, his office has formally appealed to the Home Ministry for an exhaustive investigation. In light of these threats, an immediate reassessment and enhancement of his security measures are imperative.
The BJP has initiated a 175-km padayatra from Lingasugur to Ballari. This march targets the DK Shivakumar government and its alleged failures. The Congress plans a counter-campaign for upcoming local body elections. BJP leaders accuse the government of corruption and neglecting drought relief. The party aims to mobilize its cadre ahead of future polls.
The Cockroach Janta Party has called off its protest march after all demands were met. The Supreme Court quashed all FIRs registered against students participating in NEET protests nationwide. This move provided absolute justice to students and their families who suffered due to the paper leak. The CJP founder thanked the court for dispensing justice to those who fought for their rights.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan received death threat messages on Tuesday. The unsigned communication claimed he would be killed by terrorists. His office has requested an enhanced security detail and a thorough investigation. The Home Ministry was alerted to the grave concerns for the minister's safety. This incident highlights serious security apprehensions regarding the minister's life.
The BJP has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for achieving an impressive 7.8 percent GDP growth. Senior BJP figure Ravi Shankar Prasad attributed this success to the financial acumen of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He also challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to apologize for his negative economic assessments, asserting that Gandhi's grasp of economic management is lacking. Modi hailed the GDP growth as a monumental success amidst global challenges.
Bristi Mukherjee, niece of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, was found hanging at her residence. The 28-year-old's body was recovered from her home in Birbhum district on Tuesday. Family members stated she had been suffering from depression and undergoing treatment for years. Mukherjee had recently lost her job after a Supreme Court order cancelled recruitments. An investigation is currently underway to establish the circumstances of her death.
Criticising PM Modi's economic claims, Kharge said common people face unemployment, price rise and inequality. He highlighted unemployment at a fifty-year high and rising inflation, and alleged rampant crony capitalism and wealth transfer to the rich. Modi, in a view, had praised the country's 7.8 per cent GDP growth rate.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the BJPs 10-day Ballari Chalo padayatra gives Congress an opportunity to counter the opposition and that his party will plan a response. He also discussed drought assessment across Karnataka and criticised the FIR against Rahul Gandhi as politically motivated.
Sachin Pilot said recurring exam disruptions, paper leaks and marking discrepancies are hurting young aspirants and eroding trust in the examination system. Referring to recent NEET-PG server outages in Jaipur, the Congress leader called for reforms to better support youth talent. Pilot later met students at Veerendra Dham in Barmer.
In a bold claim, AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused the Election Commission of concealing key information on voter deletions. Political factions sought clarity through written requests and meetings, yet the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's promise to provide this information remains unfulfilled. Alarmingly, 47.5 lakh electors are missing from Delhi's draft electoral roll. AAP insists that transformation should stem from both grassroots movements and constitutional processes.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the Modi government of weakening rural employment after MGNREGA was replaced by the VB-G RAM G Act. Citing low work generation in Uttar Pradeshs Ballia, he alleged the new system had taken away the employment guarantee available to the poor.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the central and Uttar Pradesh governments regarding a recent gang-rape incident. A minor girl was allegedly gang-raped on a moving bus in Noida earlier this month. The incident occurred on a sleeper bus traveling from Greater Noida to Delhi. Gandhi questioned the lack of accountability for police under Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath. He stated that this crime, like others, would likely be covered up.
Congress leader P Chidambaram has flagged Indias 106th position among 179 countries in V-Dems Electoral Democracy Index. India scored 0.38 for 2025, its lowest since 1975, according to V-Dem, which classifies the country as an electoral autocracy.
Congress will organize state-level protest marches nationwide against Rahul Gandhi's FIR. They are demanding an FIR against BJP workers for a casteist ritual. The party opposes the BJP's anti-Dalit and anti-constitutional agenda. An FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. This action follows remarks about a purification ritual which allegedly hurt community sentiments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek. They discussed the full range of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Modi emphasized moving away from endless war towards its conclusion for humanity. Indians eagerly await President Putin's visit for the upcoming BRICS summit.
A joint team inspected fire safety measures on every floor of the Camac Street building. This exercise was part of an ongoing fire safety audit by officials. The team assessed fire safety and compliance with building norms on all levels. Access for fire brigades and water pressure were also checked during the audit. The visit followed a recent incident involving an illegal billboard removal.
The Centre has postponed census operations in Manipur following civil society demands. This decision came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting. The Manipur High Court had previously put a hold on census-related activities. Various communities seek an NRC revision before the census to prevent legitimizing illegal immigrants. However, Kuki-Zo leadership and their CSOs have voiced opposition to this demand.
Congress condemned an FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand. This action followed his statement regarding the alleged purification of Ramlila Ground. A party delegation met the state governor and sought to file complaints. Protests are planned in Dehradun, now including the FIR issue. The party criticizes the swift registration of the FIR against Gandhi.
Activist Anna Hazare was admitted to Bombay Hospital after his health worsened. He is reportedly suffering from a kidney infection and elevated creatinine levels. Hazare had previously been treated at Vedant Hospital for urinary complications. His health had improved there before the transfer for further care. The social activist gained fame during the 2011 anti-corruption campaign.
Altaf Bukhari criticizes J&K Bank's perceived partisan approach towards the union territory. He suggests the bank's focus has shifted away from Kashmir's credit growth. Bukhari also expressed concerns about job opportunities for local youth. He questioned the representation of J&K people on the bank's board. Reports of shifting the bank's headquarters from Srinagar were also mentioned.
'Move from endless war to end of war': PM Modi's message to Putin on Russia-Ukraine War
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy challenged Rahul Gandhi regarding KPSC recruitment irregularities. He urged Gandhi to meet affected youth in Bengaluru and hear their grievances. Kumaraswamy questioned minister Priyank Kharge's denial of knowledge about the alleged irregularities. The minister also raised concerns about IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar's role. Kumaraswamy demands a transparent investigation and punishment for those found guilty.
The BJP will contest all 117 Punjab assembly seats alone. This decision rules out any alliance for the upcoming state elections. The party's leadership has conveyed this direct message to state units. Former chief minister Amarinder Singh and Sunil Jakhar's views differ from this mandate. The BJP plans a dedicated campaign against drugs and corruption in Punjab.
Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddi's comments on Islam have ignited a political controversy. Senior BJP leaders accused the Congress government of pursuing appeasement politics with these remarks. Rayareddi defended his statements, stating he did not intend to belittle any religion. BJP leaders alleged his remarks insulted Sanatana Dharma and Hindu devotees. The controversy highlights ongoing disputes between BJP and Congress over minority issues.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar condemned the FIR registered against Rahul Gandhi. The FIR was filed in Uttarakhand over remarks made about a ritual. Gandhi had criticized the purification ritual after a rally by Mallikarjun Kharge. Shivakumar stated the ritual raised concerns about untouchability and caste discrimination. He affirmed the Congress party's opposition to caste discrimination and support for constitutional values.
Manoj Jarange has urged Maratha community members to quietly move towards Mumbai. He set a September 12 deadline for the government to meet their demands. The activist is continuing his indefinite hunger strike in Jalna district. He seeks Kunbi caste certificates and reservation benefits for the community. Jarange warned of a major agitation if the government fails to act.
An FIR was filed against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on a purification ritual. The Congress party criticized the Uttarakhand government for this action. They questioned why no case was filed against those who performed the ritual. The Congress stated they would respond through democratic and legal means. This incident highlights a political dispute over caste and dignity.
A Tamil Nadu minister stated Congress will resign if TVK opposes Rahul Gandhi for Prime Minister. This declaration comes amid TVK's push for Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as their candidate. The Congress party has firmly asserted Rahul Gandhi as their sole choice for the upcoming elections. This stance could potentially create friction within the ruling coalition alliance. The minister's comments were made at an event in Kanyakumari on Sunday.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju condemned alleged desecration of the Indian flag during a protest outside Madison Square Garden in New York, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed an event attended by 6,000 community members and interfaith leaders. Rijiju warned that criticism is acceptable, but insulting the nation would have consequences.
An FIR has been registered against Rahul Gandhi in Haldwani. This action follows a complaint alleging casteist remarks made by the Congress leader. The complaint claims Gandhi gave a casteist spin to a religious ritual. Various laws, including the SC/ST Act, have been invoked against him. The FIR stems from remarks made at a press conference in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation during his monthly Mann ki Baat program. He urged content creators and influencers to launch campaigns for a drug-free younger generation. The Prime Minister also encouraged people to be vocal for local products during the festive season. This initiative aims to boost the domestic economy and support Indian businesses.
Shiv Sena MLC Bacchu Kadu demanded resignations from MPSC officials on moral grounds. This call follows the arrest of six individuals, including three MPSC officials, for an alleged paper leak. Kadu also sought a detailed inquiry into the appointment of key commission officials. Several past competitive examinations in Maharashtra have faced similar allegations of paper leaks. The MPSC chairman and secretary should accept responsibility and resign from their posts.
Prime Minister Modi's Central Asia visit highlights regional importance and India's UNSC bid. Uzbekistan and India agreed to strengthen cooperation in international organizations. Both nations called for comprehensive United Nations Security Council reform. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India's permanent UNSC membership bid.
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments on diversity. Sibal questioned Bhagwat's stance on accepting diversity abroad while not tolerating it at home. He accused the Sangh chief of exhibiting double-speak regarding his views on people born in India. Sibal stated this reflects the reality of Hindutva and the ongoing struggle since 2014.
An Aam Aadmi Party leader was shot dead by four armed assailants in Ferozepur district. The incident occurred in the main bazaar of Mamdot on Saturday evening. The assailants opened fire at the leader and another individual on a motorcycle. The injured were rushed to the hospital where the leader was declared dead.
Activist Manoj Jarange continues his indefinite hunger strike for Maratha reservation demands. He insists on Kunbi caste certificates for all Marathas to secure reservation benefits. Jarange warns of a march to Mumbai if the government fails to meet his demands. A core committee meeting on September 12 will decide further agitation plans.
PM Modi departs for Kyrgyzstan, will take part in SCO Summit in Bishkek

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