Champai Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), will join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to an announcement by Himanta Biswa Sarma. Soren, 67, had resigned from his Chief Ministerial position to facilitate Hemant Soren's assumption of office after his release from jail. He had previously accused the JMM leadership of insulting him and expressed dissatisfaction with his limited tenure. Soren, known as the "Jharkhand Tiger" for his role in the state's creation, stated that he would continue in politics and might consider forming a new political party.

The National Conference and Congress announced an alliance for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, aiming to contest 83 out of 90 seats. National Conference will contest fifty-one seats, while Congress will field candidates in thirty-two constituencies, leaving one seat each for CPI(M) and Panthers Party. Former CM Farooq Abdullah said both parties will fight divisive forces in J&K. Congress leader KC Venugopal emphasized their goal to protect J&K’s soul. Elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results on October 4.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has branded the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally, scheduled for August 27, as “illegal” and a ploy to incite unrest. TMC released videos alleging a conspiracy by BJP and CPI(M), stating, “Bullets will fly… we are confident there’ll be casualties.” BJP’s Amit Malviya responded, accusing TMC of “using the police to spread panic” and suppressing protests. CPI(M) dismissed TMC’s claims as “fearful and desperate.” The rally, organized by Chhatra Samaj, seeks justice for a trainee doctor’s alleged rape-murder, heightening tensions ahead of the event.

The BJP has reprimanded actor-politician Kangana Ranaut for her controversial remarks about the farmers' protest. Ranaut, who suggested that the protest could have led to a crisis similar to Bangladesh, was criticized by the BJP, which clarified that her comments do not reflect the party's views. The party directed Ranaut to avoid such statements in the future. BJP leaders from Haryana and Punjab also advised against her inflammatory remarks. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala criticized the BJP for not addressing Ranaut’s comments, questioning if they represent the party's stance.

The BJP has unveiled a revised list of 15 candidates for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, scheduled to begin on September 18, 2024. This follows the withdrawal of an earlier list, which faced criticism from senior party leaders. The updated list includes Vir Saraf for Anantnag East-Shangus, a Kashmiri Pandit, and Shagun Parihar as the sole woman candidate for Kishtwar. Notable absentees from the list include BJP president Ravinder Raina and former Deputy Chief Ministers Nirmal Singh and Kavinder Gupta. The elections will proceed in three phases.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah criticized PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti for offering to leave all seats to the Congress-NC alliance if her party's agenda is accepted. Abdullah accused Mufti of copying the NC’s manifesto, stating, “You have already accepted our agenda... Then do not field candidates and come, we will build a better tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir.” Mufti had previously offered her party's full support to the alliance, emphasizing the importance of resolving the Kashmir issue. Abdullah also noted that the PDP’s manifesto closely mirrors the NC’s promises.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Modi government’s decision to introduce the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), stating that the “U” in UPS stands for Modi government’s “U-turns.” In a tweet, Kharge attributed the government’s reversal on key policies to the Opposition’s resurgence following the Lok Sabha elections. He said, “The ‘U’ in UPS stands for Modi Govt’s U-turns. Post June 4, the power of the people has prevailed over the arrogance of power of the Prime Minister.” The UPS, which guarantees a pension of 50% of average basic pay or a minimum of Rs 10,000, follows backlash against the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and reverts to aspects of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized the exclusion of Dalit, tribal, and OBC women from the Miss India beauty pageant, stating, "I checked the list of Miss India, but there was no woman from Dalit, tribal, or OBC communities." Speaking at a 'Samvidhan Samman Sammelan' in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, he reiterated the need for a nationwide caste census, emphasizing, "For us, the caste census is not just a census, it is a foundation for policymaking." Gandhi claimed ninety percent of India’s population is sidelined by the system despite their skills and talent, urging for better representation in key sectors.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti released her party’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections in Srinagar on Saturday. She invited the National Conference and Congress, who are contesting as an alliance, to contest all ninety seats if they adopt her party's agenda. Mufti emphasized that her party prioritizes solving the Kashmir issue and restoring trade with Pakistan. She also promised free electricity to religious sites, free legal aid to detainees, and reinstatement of the old pension scheme. The J&K Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting on September eighteenth.

Tamil superstar Vijay revealed the flag and symbol for his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, on Thursday. The flag features maroon and yellow colors with elephants on both sides and a peacock surrounded by stars at the center. Vijay hoisted the flag at the Panaiyur party office and will release an official song for the party. This event marks a key milestone in the establishment of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam as Vijay transitions from his film career to a political role, aiming to build support and influence in Tamil Nadu.