The INDIA opposition bloc's unity faced another blow as RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav joined regional leaders, including YSRCP's Jagan Reddy, in endorsing Mamata Banerjee for leadership. Banerjee's recent call to lead the bloc has garnered support from Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP leaders. Lalu Yadav dismissed Congress's objections, stating, "Congress's opposition doesn’t matter." TMC leaders urged Congress to "set aside its ego" and back Banerjee, citing her experience. Congress, facing criticism for its electoral losses outside Bengal, remains hesitant, further deepening the bloc's leadership tussle.

The Congress-led INDIA opposition bloc moved a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar on December 10, 2024, accusing him of biased handling of the House. The motion, signed by over 50 MPs from various parties, including Trinamool and AAP, comes after a heated Parliament session. The opposition claims that Dhankhar allowed personal attacks against Congress leaders while rejecting their attempts to discuss critical issues. While the motion is unlikely to succeed due to a lack of majority, the opposition insists it acted on principle, not expectation of success.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav sparked controversy with a sexist comment on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Mahila Samwad Yatra. Yadav suggested the rally was a way to "letch at women." JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary condemned the remark, calling it "deplorable" and "unfortunate." The Mahila Samwad Yatra, starting December 15, aims to engage women and review Bihar’s 7-Resolves programme. Meanwhile, Yadav supported Mamata Banerjee for the INDIA bloc leadership, dismissing Congress’s objections. The Trinamool Congress is pushing for Banerjee, citing her victories over the BJP as proof of her strong leadership skills.

Veteran politician SM Krishna, Karnataka’s chief minister (1999-2004) and India’s external affairs minister (2009-2012), passed away at 92 in Bengaluru. Known for elevating Bengaluru as a global IT hub, Krishna also served as Maharashtra governor (2004-2008). Honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, he retired from politics last year. A Fulbright Scholar, Krishna studied law in the US. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge hailed his impactful leadership, stating, "His legacy shaped Karnataka’s progress." Krishna, who joined BJP in 2017 after decades with Congress, leaves behind his wife and two daughters.

The BJP criticised AAP after it replaced nearly 50% of its sitting MLAs in its second candidate list for the Delhi Assembly elections. BJP leader Virendra Sachdeva called AAP a “sinking ship,” claiming Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi might change their constituencies like Manish Sisodia, who moved from Patparganj to Jangpura. Sachdeva alleged Sisodia’s poor performance forced the change and accused AAP of corruption. He criticised Kejriwal for giving tickets to relatives of MLAs despite opposing “Parivarvad.” The BJP is optimistic about ending AAP’s dominance and forming a government in Delhi after 25 years.

The government is set to introduce the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in the ongoing or next Parliament session, sources said. The bill, aimed at synchronising Lok Sabha and state elections, has received cabinet approval based on recommendations from a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. To ensure a thorough review, the bill will be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which will seek inputs from political parties, state speakers, experts, and the general public. The proposal has sparked both support and opposition, with concerns over its feasibility and federal implications.

The Opposition INDIA bloc plans to move a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution. Backed by 70 MPs from Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress, the motion accuses Dhankhar of bias towards ruling members. Opposition leaders allege he frequently interrupts their speeches, limits debates on critical issues, and favours the ruling party. This marks a significant step by the opposition, highlighting tensions in the Upper House over Dhankhar’s conduct during parliamentary sessions.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced its second list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in January 2025. Manish Sisodia, who has represented Patparganj since 2013, has been moved to Jangpura. Newcomer Avadh Ojha, a renowned UPSC coach, will contest from Patparganj, reflecting a strategic focus on the Purvanchali community, which forms 42% of the constituency's electorate. The list features 18 fresh faces, including former BJP and Congress leaders, such as Jintender Singh Shunty and Surinder Pal Singh Bittu. The announcement follows the party's first list, which also prioritized new inductees from rival parties.

The BJP alleged that Sonia Gandhi, as co-president of the Forum of Democratic Leaders in Asia Pacific, is linked to a group funded by the George Soros Foundation, which purportedly supported Kashmir’s separation. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey plans to question Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha, claiming ties between Congress and Soros-backed entities like the OCCRP, which the party accuses of harming India's economy. The US dismissed BJP's allegations, reiterating its commitment to media freedom. Congress has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe claims against the Adani Group, which the opposition accuses of benefitting from government favoritism.

Bangladeshi police have filed a new case against Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and his followers after clashes in Chittagong. The case names the monk and 164 others, along with 400-500 unidentified individuals. A businessman, Enamul Haque, accused the group of attacking him on November 26. Haque claims he was assaulted for wearing traditional clothing and suffered injuries. The monk, arrested for sedition on November 25, has sparked protests among his supporters. Earlier, police filed three related cases after violence erupted following his bail denial. Das remains in custody, with his bail hearing postponed to January 2.