The Centre has denied Bihar's request for Special Category Status, according to Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary. The decision, based on a 2012 Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) report, cites that Bihar does not meet the necessary criteria. This rejection is a significant blow to Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (U), a key NDA ally. The JD(U) has long advocated for this status, citing economic and infrastructural needs. The BJP, which holds 240 Lok Sabha seats, relies on JD(U) and other allies for a majority, making this a critical issue in coalition dynamics.

In a press conference, Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI selection chief Ajit Agarkar addressed key issues including the T20I captaincy and the future of Virat Kohli. Agarkar revealed that Suryakumar Yadav was chosen as T20I captain due to Hardik Pandya’s fitness concerns and inconsistent availability. Gambhir emphasized his strong, private relationship with Kohli, stating it is irrelevant to public discourse. He praised Kohli as a professional athlete and expressed hope for his continued excellence. The briefing also touched on Mohammed Shami’s return to the squad.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced with PM Narendra Modi extending Sawan wishes, marking a significant session under his third consecutive term. Key topics include the opposition's demand for a retest of the NEET-UG 2024 amid allegations of paper leaks and controversy over Kanwar Yatra directives. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget, seen as pivotal for the nation’s economic future. The session will cover six bills, including major amendments to the Aircraft Act and banking regulations. The BJD plans to push for Odisha's special category status.

In an all-party meeting ahead of the Budget Session, opposition leaders voiced major concerns. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi highlighted the NEET paper leak and alleged misuse of central agencies. Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav criticized the UP government's directive for shopkeepers to display their names on the Kanwar route. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh reported demands for special status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. The Monsoon Session begins Monday, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget. The opposition plans to challenge the government on various issues, including NEET and public sector banking.

In a strategic move, Odisha's Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has formed a 50-member shadow cabinet to hold the ruling BJP accountable. The shadow cabinet, inspired by the UK model, comprises former ministers who will monitor each government department and prepare alternative policies. This move comes ahead of the state assembly's budget session, starting next Monday. Patnaik, former Chief Minister, aims to ensure the Opposition remains a strong voice for the people, keeping tabs on the government's actions and offering alternative solutions. This move signals Patnaik's intent to remain a significant force in Odisha's political landscape.

Mohan Bhagwat, Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), addressed a village-level workers meeting in Jharkhand's Gumla district. He emphasized the importance of continuous self-development and service to humanity. Bhagwat cautioned against aspiring to be "superhuman" and stressed the need for relentless work in areas like environment, education, and health. He expressed confidence in India's future, citing collective efforts towards its improvement. The meeting was organized by non-profit organization Vikas Bharti. Bhagwat's speech focused on the value of dedication to societal welfare and the pursuit of continuous growth. His remarks were made to a gathering of village-level workers.

Following the derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Uttar Pradesh, opposition parties have criticized the Modi government for rail safety failures. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanded the swift installation of the Kavach anti-collision system across all rail routes. Citing previous accidents, Kharge accused the government of negligence. Trinamool Congress's Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav also called for accountability and improved passenger safety. CPI General Secretary D. Raja highlighted poor track maintenance and staff shortages, urging the government to address these issues urgently.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailment, attributing it to systemic failures in Indian Railways. Two fatalities and over 20 injuries were reported as eight coaches derailed near UP's Gonda. Kharge called for urgent installation of the Kavach anti-collision system nationwide. Rescue operations by NDRF teams are ongoing, with senior officials onsite. Kharge's remarks underscore growing concerns over rail safety following recent accidents under the Modi government.

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, describing him as significantly matured in politics. In an interview with PTI, Sen recalled knowing Rahul as an articulate student at Cambridge, uncertain about his future. Sen highlighted Rahul's evolution, especially through the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra,' and noted his improved articulation in political matters. He emphasized Rahul's crucial role as the Leader of the Opposition, particularly in addressing inequality and sectarianism in India. Sen concluded that Rahul's leadership will be tested in how effectively he navigates these issues during the Modi-led NDA government.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya responded to Akhilesh Yadav's claims of infighting within the BJP affecting Uttar Pradesh's administration. Yadav had accused the BJP of internal strife and poor governance. Maurya refuted these claims, asserting that the BJP has a strong organization and government both in the state and at the Centre. He dismissed Yadav's remarks, promising a BJP victory in the 2027 assembly elections. Maurya also labeled the Samajwadi Party’s PDA initiative as a “fraud” and assured that BJP’s administration remains stable and effective.