RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav concludes a 9-hour session at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Patna regarding the land-for-jobs case. Escorted by security, he left with daughter Misa Bharti. The ED summoned him and his son Tejashwi Yadav on January 29 and 30, respectively. Lalu Prasad's appearance followed Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's alliance shift. Daughter Rohini Acharya criticized ED for alleged inhumane treatment, citing health concerns. The investigation remains a focal point in regional politics.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses government of conspiring to abolish quotas in UGC draft guidelines, stating: "This is an attempt to kill the dreams of those fighting for social justice and to eliminate the participation of the deprived sections." Congress leaders highlight concerns over vacancy rates and low representation of marginalized groups. Government responds, affirming no de-reservation of reserved posts. UGC chairperson states: "There is going to be no such de-reservation." Opposition condemns move, alleging deliberate vacancy creation. Congress leader Udit Raj asserts: "Posts of professor were being deliberately kept vacant." Controversy ensues over potential impact on social justice initiatives.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in Bhubaneswar, predicts the 2024 polls as India's last if Narendra Modi remains PM, foreseeing a dictatorship. He urges vigilance against BJP and RSS, branding them "poison." Kharge claims intimidation through notices and asserts the 2024 elections as the final chance to vote. Criticizing Odisha CM Navin Patnaik's friendship with Modi, Kharge believes the alliance won't weaken with Nitish Kumar's exit. JD(U) blames Congress for the INDIA bloc fallout. Kharge warns against BJP-RSS influence, emphasizing Rahul Gandhi's unity efforts.

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has announced that the party will contest all 90 assembly seats in Haryana independently, foregoing alliances for the state polls. Speaking at a rally, Kejriwal expressed confidence in AAP's prospects, urging voters to elect an AAP government in October. He highlighted the success of AAP-led administrations in Delhi and Punjab as models for Haryana. This decision signals AAP's strategic focus on expanding its footprint beyond its traditional strongholds. With the BJP and Congress dominating the 2019 elections and AAP's emergence as a key player, the upcoming polls are poised to be fiercely contested, shaping the political landscape of Haryana.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra continues its journey, now entering Bihar following Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's alliance shift. After the Congress' exit from Bihar's ruling coalition, Gandhi resumes his rally aimed at garnering support ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The yatra, which commenced in Manipur on January 14, reached Bengal before Gandhi's brief hiatus. Now traversing Bihar, the political landscape has altered with Kumar aligning with BJP and Hindustani Awam Morcha. Amidst changing alliances, Gandhi's focus remains on engaging with voters, targeting Kumar over his political maneuvers during public addresses.

Union Minister and BJP leader Shantanu Thakur has asserted that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will be enforced across India within the next seven days. Speaking at a public gathering in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas, Thakur emphasized the imminent implementation of the contentious law, echoing sentiments expressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The CAA has been a subject of widespread protests and opposition, particularly in West Bengal. With the government's resolve to implement the law, tensions are likely to escalate amidst ongoing political dynamics. The announcement comes amid reports of the CAA rules being finalized and preparations for its digital rollout.            

After being sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister for a record ninth time, Nitish Kumar asserted, "Now I am back where I was before (in NDA) and now there is no question of going anywhere." Addressing Tejashwi Yadav's prediction of JDU's demise in 2024, Nitish emphasized working for Bihar's development. BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha were sworn in as deputy CMs. Nitish assured unity among leaders and cabinet expansion soon. He resigned earlier, citing the Mahagathbandhan's untenable situation. Nitish stated, "I resigned today, and ended the current government," expressing dissatisfaction with the alliance.      

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nitish Kumar on forming a new Bihar government with BJP, stating it will "leave no stone unturned for development." Nitish Kumar, after exiting the 'Mahagathbandhan' alliance, took oath as chief minister for the ninth time. PM Modi expressed confidence in the team, including deputy chief ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha. Nitish cited issues within 'Mahagathbandhan' and the INDIA bloc for his resignation earlier in the day, emphasizing dissatisfaction with credit distribution. Six ministers were sworn in alongside Nitish Kumar, marking the beginning of the new government's term.

Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD chief Lalu Yadav, took a jab at Nitish Kumar after his resignation as Bihar Chief Minister, saying, "garbage has gone into the dustbin." Kumar cited issues within the Mahagathbandhan as the reason for stepping down. Acharya's X post sparked controversy, similar to her deleted remarks on Thursday. RJD clarified the comments were directed at PM Narendra Modi, not Kumar. Screenshots of the deleted posts, mentioning "ideologically adrift" individuals, circulated on social media, hinting at a subtle dig on Nitish Kumar's recent stance against "dynasty politics."

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav reacted strongly to Nitish Kumar's decision to rejoin the BJP-led NDA government, asserting that the Janata Dal United (JD(U)) will be "finished in 2024". Yadav expressed confidence in the public's support for his party and emphasized that the game is far from over. He thanked the BJP for taking in the JD(U) but criticized Nitish Kumar's leadership, citing lack of vision and exhaustion. Yadav highlighted the achievements of his party during their tenure and vowed to continue working for the welfare of the people.