Jammu and Kashmir will hold its first Assembly elections since the revocation of Article 370, beginning September 18, 2024. The elections will occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 4. This marks the region's first assembly elections in over a decade and its first since the end of its special status. Voter turnout in previous Lok Sabha elections indicates a strong desire for democratic participation. The Assembly will have 114 seats, including new representation for Kashmiri migrants and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir refugees.

The Election Commission has announced assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. Jammu and Kashmir will vote in three phases starting September eighteenth, marking the first election since the revocation of its special status. Haryana will hold its elections in a single phase on October first. Results for both states will be declared on October fourth. The elections are significant, with a five-way battle expected in Haryana and high stakes in Jammu and Kashmir, where the BJP, Congress, and regional parties are all vying for influence in the newly restructured territory.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seated in the fifth row during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, sparking outrage from Congress. Traditionally, the Leader of Opposition, who holds cabinet rank, is seated in the front row. This year, however, Gandhi was placed behind Indian Olympic medalists. The Defence Ministry explained that the seating arrangement was intended to honor the athletes. Congress leaders criticized the decision, accusing the BJP of disrespecting Gandhi and the opposition. KC Venugopal called it “an insult to the people of India.” The controversy has further deepened the rift between the two parties.

The Congress party has selected senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in Telangana. The bypoll was necessitated following the resignation of K Keshava Rao, who had rejoined Congress after previously switching to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approved Singhvi's nomination, which was announced by party general secretary KC Venugopal. Earlier this year, Singhvi contested from Himachal Pradesh but lost due to cross-voting. His candidacy for Telangana is seen as a strategic move by Congress as they aim to strengthen their position in the state.

The Supreme Court of India has denied interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case linked to the city’s scrapped liquor policy. The court asked the CBI to respond to Kejriwal's bail plea and scheduled the next hearing for August 23. Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued that Kejriwal’s arrest was legally questionable and accused the CBI of malice. The Delhi High Court previously upheld the arrest, citing concerns about potential witness influence. The case involves allegations of irregularities in the implementation of the Delhi Liquor Policy.

Delhi Education Minister Atishi will hoist the national flag at the Chhatrasal Stadium on August 15, 2024, in place of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This decision was announced by Environment Minister Gopal Rai, who confirmed that Kejriwal expressed his desire for Atishi to lead the Independence Day event. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had earlier informed that Kejriwal wrote to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor regarding the change. However, the LG's office denied receiving any such letter. The BJP criticized the move, suggesting Kejriwal should appoint Atishi as the new Chief Minister.

The BJP criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's remarks on the Hindenburg Research report, calling them a “deceitful” attempt to destabilize India’s financial system. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan compared the report to "shady underarm bowling," asserting it undermines confidence in India’s stock market and SEBI. Gandhi had questioned the integrity of SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, suggesting a conflict of interest. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya labeled Gandhi’s actions as an effort to destroy India’s economic progress. SEBI and the Adani Group have denied the report’s allegations as baseless and misleading.

Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the latest Hindenburg Research report "reveals why Modi is afraid of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe." Gandhi alleged that the report uncovers potential conflicts of interest involving SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Buch, who is accused of holding offshore investments linked to the Adani Group. Gandhi questioned, "Why hasn’t SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch resigned yet?" He demanded accountability and said, "The integrity of SEBI has been gravely compromised." The BJP labeled these claims as part of an opposition conspiracy to destabilize the financial sector.

Rahul Gandhi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visit to landslide-hit Wayanad, where the official death toll has reached 226. Gandhi hopes Modi will declare the disaster a ‘national disaster’ after witnessing the devastation firsthand. Modi’s visit includes reviewing relief efforts, conducting an aerial survey, and interacting with survivors. Despite the ongoing relief work, many remain unaccounted for. The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to bring additional focus and resources to the recovery efforts in the affected areas of Chooralmala, Mundakkai, Attamala, and Punchirimattom.

Manish Sisodia, a senior AAP leader, walked out of Tihar Jail after 17 months in custody. The Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy scam cases. Supporters and party workers gathered to welcome him with slogans. Sisodia said, "I was not alone in jail for the past 17 months; every Delhiite and schoolchild was with me emotionally." He expressed gratitude to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and thanked the Supreme Court for upholding the Constitution. The court reaffirmed that "bail is a rule, and jail is an exception," calling his detention unjust.