Politics

In a stunning political shift in Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party delivered decisive wins in the civic polls, toppling long-standing strongholds of rival parties in India’s financial capital and outperforming the Pawar factions in Pune.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif ignited international controversy by publicly urging the United States and Turkey to kidnap Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him the “worst criminal of humanity” over actions in Gaza. His remarks are drawing sharp criticism from diplomats and analysts around the world.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken a strong public stance against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s conduct during a high-profile Enforcement Directorate raid in Kolkata, sparking a fresh round of political controversy as the 2026 assembly elections gain intensity.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming a recently heard audio clip of Donald Trump shows India bending to U.S. pressure on Russian oil imports, deepening the political debate on foreign policy and energy strategy.

Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi died in Pune at the age of 81 following a prolonged illness. The influential politician’s final rites will take place later today as tributes pour in from across the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee locked horns in Kolkata as the battle for the 2026 assembly elections gathered pace. Shah urged voters to give the BJP a chance, accusing the state government of corruption and security failures, while Mamata hit back with fiery rebuttals dismissing the allegations.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the subject of renewed political speculation after her husband, Robert Vadra, acknowledged growing public admiration and comparisons to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, fueling debate about her potential as a future prime ministerial candidate.

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in major Indian cities on Tuesday, confronting police near Bangladesh diplomatic missions to condemn the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and demand justice. The protests escalated diplomatic tensions and triggered heightened security measures.

At the customary tea gathering after the Winter Session of Parliament, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra eased post-session tensions with a light-hearted story that elicited warm reactions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The rare camaraderie came amid an otherwise charged political environment.