Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to three-day CBI custody following his arrest in connection with a money laundering probe related to a now-scrapped excise policy. The decision was made by the Rouse Avenue court's vacation judge Amitabh Rawat, who scheduled Kejriwal's next appearance for June 29. The CBI sought custody to investigate a "larger conspiracy" allegedly involving Kejriwal and others. Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, criticized the arrest, claiming it was part of a bid to keep him detained. The case revolves around allegations of misconduct in policy formulation by a "south lobby."

Sam Pitroda has been reappointed chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, the party announced on Wednesday. Pitroda had resigned in May after remarks on inheritance tax and India's diversity sparked political controversy during the Lok Sabha elections. His statements, which suggested an inheritance tax and described India's regional diversity in controversial terms, drew strong criticism from the BJP, including Prime Minister Modi. Despite the fallout, Pitroda's return comes as the Congress looks to build on its improved tally of 99 seats, with the INDIA alliance securing 232 seats in the recent elections.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has been ordered by a court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to appear on July 2 regarding a defamation case. Filed by BJP's Vijay Mishra, the case pertains to Gandhi's remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Bengaluru in 2018. Despite objections, the court allowed the case to proceed and requested Gandhi's presence. Previously, Gandhi paused his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' for a similar court appearance. Another defamation case against him is ongoing in Bengaluru, where he was granted bail with a hearing scheduled for June 30.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav delivered a pointed message to newly re-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, emphasizing impartiality towards the opposition. Congratulating Birla, Yadav expressed concern over past suspensions and expulsions of MPs, urging fair treatment for all. He stressed that the Speaker's authority should equally guide the ruling party. Yadav's speech during the 18th Lok Sabha session highlighted the need for dignity and respect for parliamentarians. This follows Birla's recent victory over opposition candidate K Suresh in a rare Speaker election, marking the first such poll since 1976.

Chaos erupted in the Lok Sabha after Speaker Om Birla called for a two-minute silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the "dark days of Emergency." Despite initial smiles and congratulations from both sides, including Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi, the Opposition protested the Speaker's remark, leading to adjournment. Birla emphasized cooperation and decorum in the House, but his mention of the Emergency was seen as divisive. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the statement as unnecessary. The Lok Sabha Speaker is generally chosen by consensus, but this year, Congress fielded its candidate, leading to a contested election.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal denied blaming Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case. He said the CBI wants to defame him and AAP. Kejriwal made this statement in court after his arrest on Tuesday. The CBI claims he needs to be questioned about a larger conspiracy. They said ₹44 crore was sent to Goa through illegal channels. Kejriwal’s lawyer called the CBI’s request vague and an abuse of power.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI in the alleged liquor policy case at Rouse Avenue Court. His lawyers argued that the agency's move was biased, as Kejriwal had already been questioned for nine hours as a witness in April last year. The CBI's sudden shift from witness to accused was questioned. Kejriwal's legal team sought a 24-hour deferment to study the case. The Supreme Court petition challenging the stay on grant of bail was withdrawn, with plans to file a more substantial appeal. The case has been ongoing since August 2022. Kejriwal's arrest marks a significant development in the investigation.

Om Birla, the NDA candidate, has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the second consecutive time. He won the contest against K Suresh of the INDIA bloc through a voice vote. Birla, a BJP MP, will lead the 18th Lok Sabha. His re-election marks a significant victory for the ruling NDA coalition. Birla's experience and consensus-building skills are expected to facilitate smooth functioning of the lower house. His election was greeted with applause from members across party lines, indicating a bipartisan support.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will appeal the Delhi High Court's decision to stay Arvind Kejriwal's bail in the Supreme Court. The trial court had granted Kejriwal bail on June 20 in the Delhi excise policy scam case, but the High Court stayed the order, citing inadequate consideration of evidence and insufficient opportunity for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to argue its case. The AAP disagrees with the High Court's decision and will challenge it in the Supreme Court. Kejriwal's bail was granted on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh, but the stay has put his release on hold.

Pappu Yadav, an independent MP from Bihar, made a dramatic entrance in the Lok Sabha, wearing a "#reneet" T-shirt and shouting slogans demanding NEET-UG re-examination and special category status for Bihar. Despite objections from treasury benches, Yadav asserted his independence, stating he had won four times without party support. The Pro-tem Speaker, Bhartruhari Mahtab, chided members for still being in "election fever." Yadav later criticized members for invoking gods and leaders instead of addressing issues like NEET-UG re-examination, which affects youngsters. His actions sparked a commotion in the House.