A fresh FIR has been filed against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, creating new trouble for the Congress just before the winter session of Parliament. The Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing has named the two leaders and six others for alleged illegal takeover of Associated Journals Ltd through Young Indian. The Congress says the FIR is a political move and claims old cases are revived whenever the party raises key issues. The timing is important, as the court will announce its verdict on December 16. The case may also test the unity of the INDIA bloc. (PC: PTI)

The Election Commission has extended the deadline for the voter list cleanup exercise, known as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), in 12 states and Union Territories. The draft voter list will now be published on December 16, instead of December 9. The final list will be released on February 14. Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, recently met the Chief Election Commissioner and asked for a better schedule. They said booth level officers are under pressure due to the tight timeline. Reports of BLO deaths have come from several states. The EC has found 18.70 lakh dead voters and may delete around 35 lakh names.

Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have been charged with criminal conspiracy in the National Herald money laundering case. The Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing filed a new FIR based on an Enforcement Directorate complaint. The FIR names six people, including the Gandhis, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey and Sunil Bhandari. It also lists three companies linked to the case. The FIR alleges a plan to wrongly take control of Associated Journals Limited, the parent company of the National Herald. The case dates back to 2012, when Subramanian Swamy accused Congress leaders of cheating and misuse of funds. A court decision is due on December 16. (PC: NDTV)

In Karnataka, political temperatures rose after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a closed-door “power breakfast” meeting amid growing speculation of an imminent leadership transition. Shivakumar’s cryptic post invoking JRD Tata, emphasising the importance of “keeping one’s word,” has intensified talk that the Congress high command may soon implement a pre-poll promise to rotate the chief ministership. Party insiders suggest a possible transition timeline before mid-2026, with both leaders publicly maintaining unity. The meeting is seen as a key step in negotiating roles, responsibilities, and a smooth shift in power within the Karnataka government. (PC: AP)  

The Election Commission of India issued a stern rebuttal to Trinamool Congress over West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, warning the party against influencing or threatening Booth Level Officers. The ECI emphasized waiting until December 9 draft publication before filing objections, citing Article 326 that foreigners cannot vote. The Commission appointed a special roll observer and ordered security for election officers amid TMC allegations of bias and BLO deaths. Separately, TMC's Abhishek Banerjee launched internal overhaul, deploying nine senior leaders for nine-day district monitoring after Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with uneven progress. The confrontation deepens ahead of 2026 elections, with both sides trading accusations over the contentious revision process affecting millions of voters.(PC: The Hindu & The Statesman)

Karnataka is in a political stir as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar face a leadership battle. Home Minister G Parameshwara said he would support Shivakumar as Chief Minister if the Congress decides on a change. But Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan said Siddaramaiah’s post is not empty and he will stay. Shivakumar’s supporters flew to Delhi to urge the party leaders for a transition. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will meet both sides to resolve the crisis. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are ready to attend. The feud is creating confusion and affecting the party’s image. (PC: India Today)

Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain has made a bold claim, stating he is “200 per cent” certain that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will soon be elevated to Chief Minister. The remark has intensified ongoing discussions within Congress about a possible leadership change, especially as several MLAs have traveled to New Delhi to lobby the party high command. Meanwhile, senior leader Veerappa Moily has publicly backed Shivakumar’s rise, calling his eventual promotion a “settled matter.” 

Elon Musk's X platform rolled out a location-revealing feature over the weekend, sparking political controversy in India. Several politically active accounts critical of the government were found based outside India, particularly in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other Asian nations. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera's account shows "United States," while Maharashtra Congress displays "Ireland." BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya claimed this exposed a "coordinated global operation to influence India's social discourse and spread misinformation." Accounts of 'Diya Sharma' and 'Yashita Nagpal,' both Pakistan-based with anti-BJP content drew attention, 'Diya' was subsequently suspended. X's product head claims 99% accuracy, though VPN usage may affect results. Similar issues emerged in the US, with MAGA accounts traced to Eastern Europe and India.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced plans for a nationwide yatra against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) following state assembly elections, warning "If they hurt me, I will shake things up." The Trinamool Congress chief predicted BJP would lose Bengal elections and be ousted from Centre in 2029. Addressing a Bongaon rally in North 24 Parganas, Banerjee accused the Election Commission of acting as "BJP's commission" and claimed 35 people died due to SIR's electoral roll purification drive. She blamed the BJP-led central government for illegal infiltration, questioning Border Security Force's border management. Banerjee assured genuine voters not to fear exclusion, promising "As long as TMC is here, we will not allow them to touch you."

Over ten legislators loyal to D. K. Shivakumar have travelled to Delhi to press the Indian National Congress high command to honour an alleged 2023 promise that he would become Chief Minister midway through the current term. This move injects fresh tension into the state government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who cancelled a two-day tour and returned to Bengaluru amid the internal power struggle. The party has not officially confirmed any rotational CM formula, while Shivakumar himself distanced from the controversy and said he will serve as long as the party wants him. (PC: X)