Days after leaving the Congress, ex-Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique has joined Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), dealing a blow to his former party. Siddique, a prominent face in Mumbai Congress for 48 years, criticized Congress, saying, "My condition in the Congress was how curry leaves are used to enhance the taste of food." This follows former Union Minister Milind Deora's recent shift to Shiv Sena. Siddique expressed his decision to join Ajit Pawar's group, emphasizing his journey from Congress to NCP. The move aligns with the Election Commission's recognition of Ajit Pawar's faction as the legitimate NCP.

In a significant blow to opposition unity, Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced plans to contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab independently, with one seat in Chandigarh. Kejriwal criticized the Congress, alleging a lack of significant achievements during its rule in Punjab. The move adds to the turmoil within the opposition bloc, already shaken by Mamata Banerjee's solo stance in West Bengal and Nitish Kumar's departure to the BJP-led NDA. The decision complicates the electoral landscape, with uncertainties also looming over alliances in Uttar Pradesh. Kejriwal's AAP aims to replicate its successful Punjab Assembly election performance on the parliamentary stage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the last sitting of the 17th Lok Sabha, highlighting achievements including the simultaneous pursuit of reform, performance, and transformation in the country over the past five years. PM Modi commended MPs for their response to the Covid challenge, citing a 30% salary reduction and cessation of canteen food subsidies. He also noted milestones such as scrapping Article 370 and passing the triple talaq bill. Reflecting on India's future, Modi envisioned a "Vikshit Bharat" (Developed India) in the next 25 years, emphasizing political aspirations and national dreams.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi treated a group of eight MPs to a surprise lunch at the Parliament canteen, sparking delight and admiration. Union Minister L Murugan shared the special experience, highlighting Modi's down-to-earth demeanor and engaging conversation about his daily routine, including sleeping only 3.5 hours and abstaining from food after 6 PM. The diverse group of MPs, representing various parties and regions, cherished the opportunity to interact with Modi on a personal level. Murugan described the encounter as an unforgettable moment, underscoring Modi's humility and camaraderie. Modi later expressed gratitude for the enjoyable meal in a social media post.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has caught the INDIA bloc off guard by announcing candidates for three seats in Assam ahead of the Lok Sabha election. AAP MP Sandeep Pathak expressed frustration, stating that months of talks with the alliance had yielded no breakthrough in seat sharing. Pathak emphasized the importance of contesting and winning elections, urging the alliance to expedite negotiations. Despite reaffirming support for the INDIA alliance, AAP's move signals impatience with the ongoing discussions. The development follows the Samajwadi Party's unilateral declaration of candidates in Uttar Pradesh amid seat-sharing talks, highlighting growing tensions within the coalition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's dedication, recalling an instance where Singh "worked even in a wheelchair" during a voting session. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the farewell of retiring members, PM Modi emphasized Singh's commitment to his duties. The Prime Minister described Singh's act as exemplary, showcasing a member's alertness towards responsibilities. The retiring Rajya Sabha members will be bid farewell at Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's residence in Delhi. Earlier, they participated in a group photo at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with a farewell function scheduled later in the day at the chairman's residence.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in his first meeting with PM Narendra Modi since joining the NDA, assures stability, saying there will be no more alliances switches. Kumar, who met BJP leaders Amit Shah and JP Nadda, emphasizes the enduring BJP-JDU partnership since 1995. Ahead of his government's trust vote, Kumar downplays seat-sharing discussions, noting the BJP leaders are informed. The focus shifts to Bihar Assembly dissolution, potentially aligning with Lok Sabha polls. The meetings come amid complex political dynamics, including Rajya Sabha seat elections and looming Assembly expansion in Bihar.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of spreading falsehoods, asserting, "Modi ki Guarantee is only to spread lies." Kharge challenged Modi's claims on unemployment and GDP growth, citing discrepancies in data. He highlighted the surge in unemployment rates and the decline in GDP growth during the current government's tenure. Kharge emphasized the need for transparency and factual discourse in political debates. He questioned why the unemployment rate surged to a 45-year high and why the GDP growth rate dropped compared to the UPA era. Kharge urged a focus on pressing issues like price rise and unemployment, criticizing Modi for solely targeting the Congress party.

Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien alleges Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "blood on his hands" for undermining federalism during a fiery Rajya Sabha session. O'Brien criticizes Modi's lengthy Mann Ki Baat, accusing the government of turning Parliament into a dark chamber. Modi, advocating competitive cooperative federalism, faced backlash as O'Brien claimed he butchered federalism. In response, Modi attacked Congress, invoked Mamata Banerjee's seat prediction, and criticized Rahul Gandhi. He also highlighted Nehru's reservations against reservation. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called Modi a "fan of Nehru," prompting discussions on the PM's focus on historical figures rather than achievements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed Jawaharlal Nehru did not favour reservation of any kind in jobs in a Rajya Sabha address. Modi read a 1961 letter where Nehru expressed dislike for any form of reservation, emphasizing the importance of empowering backward groups through education, not caste-based job reservations. Modi criticized Congress for neglecting Dalits and OBCs, highlighting that Nehru's stance contradicts their current advocacy for social justice. This marks the second instance in three days that Modi invoked Nehru to challenge Congress. Earlier, he cited Nehru's views on Indians' work habits, igniting a fresh debate on historical perspectives within Indian politics.