National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expresses displeasure over BJP's invitations for the Ram temple consecration, saying Lord Ram belongs to all and doesn't require an invite. He questions the formality, stating anyone wanting to visit the temple can do so freely. Earlier supportive of the temple, Abdullah emphasizes Lord Ram's universal significance. While political figures like Sonia Gandhi decline, Serum Institute's Adar Poonawalla accepts the invitation. Opposition leaders show mixed responses, with Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal accepting, while others label it a BJP event. The ceremony is set for January 22 in Ayodhya.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed former Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra's plea challenging the eviction notice for her government-allocated bungalow. The court ruled that Moitra, expelled in December amid allegations of accepting gifts for parliamentary questions, lacks the right to reside in the bungalow. This marks her second unsuccessful attempt at the High Court, with the earlier directive advising her to seek permission from the Directorate of Estates. The court emphasized the termination of her entitlement to the accommodation upon expulsion, reinforcing the eviction deadline set for January 7.

Former Lok Sabha member Mahua Moitra, ousted in December 2023, faces eviction from her government bungalow following an order by the Directorate of Estates. Initially asked to vacate by January 7, Moitra's allotment cancellation prompted a series of notices. Despite a Delhi High Court suggestion to seek permission for extended stay, she now must leave immediately. The court emphasized the need for due process in eviction. Moitra's expulsion resulted from alleged "unethical conduct," accepting gifts and sharing parliamentary credentials. As controversies unfold, the ethical committee's report may further influence the case.            

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticizes Rahul Gandhi, stating he lives in a "la-la world" for accusing BJP of politicizing the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration. Chandrasekhar emphasizes the deep emotional connection of Hindus to the Ram temple. Rahul Gandhi claimed the BJP turned the ceremony into a political event. The BJP leader dismisses Gandhi's remarks, highlighting India's awareness of the truth. Chandrasekhar defends Modi's pro-poor policies, contrasting them with Congress's alleged misleading slogans. The exchange intensifies as the political discourse heats up surrounding the Ram temple event and economic policies.            

Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra claims the Siddaramaiah-led government is downplaying the severity of the Haveri gang rape case, which occurred on January 7. He alleges a lack of prompt action, urging a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defends the ongoing police investigation, emphasizing commitment to arresting all accused. Haveri police have identified seven suspects, arresting five, while one is receiving medical treatment, and another remains at large. The incident, involving a Muslim woman and Hindu man, sparked controversy after a video surfaced. BJP leaders suggest the same group later assaulted and raped the woman.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi kickstarted the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur, condemning the state's division fueled by BJP and RSS ideology. Addressing the crowd, he criticized PM Modi for neglecting Manipur amid ethnic clashes. Gandhi pledged Congress's commitment to restoring harmony and peace, emphasizing the yatra's focus on justice for social, economic, and political issues. Naming it 'nyay' (justice), he stressed listening to people's concerns, saying, "We want to listen to your 'Mann ki Baat.'" The yatra aims to cover 6,700 km across 15 states, concluding in Mumbai on March 20, setting the tone for Congress's Lok Sabha campaign.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Modi during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra launch in Manipur. Kharge accused the PM of seeking votes in the state but staying absent during crises, stating, "Mukh mein Ram, bagal mein choori." Asserting Congress's dedication to secularism, equality, and social justice, Kharge linked the Yatra to saving the Constitution, democracy, and countering fascist forces. Rahul Gandhi, at the Yatra's launch, highlighted its focus on employment, price rise, and farmers' rights. The Yatra is set to cover 100 Lok Sabha constituencies across 15 states.

Milind Deora, a former Congress MP, resigns from the party, sparking speculation about joining Shiv Sena. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde responds positively, stating, "I will welcome him if he is joining the party." Deora's exit ends a 55-year family association with Congress. His decision is linked to a desire to contest from South Mumbai, conflicting with alliance preferences. Despite Congress downplaying the impact, Jairam Ramesh attributes the move to Prime Minister Modi. Sandeep Dikshit suggests "greed and fear" influenced Deora's choice. The political landscape awaits confirmation of Deora's reported shift to Shiv Sena.

Milind Deora has officially stepped down from the Congress party, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in his political journey. In a statement on X, Deora expressed gratitude to leaders, colleagues, and karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years. Dismissing earlier speculations, he clarified discussions with supporters were ongoing, refuting rumors of joining Shiv Sena. Deora, the former Mumbai South MP, recently expressed discontent over Shiv Sena's claim to the constituency. As the political landscape unfolds, Deora's resignation echoes the changing dynamics within the Congress party and Maharashtra's political alliances.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initially suggested Rahul Gandhi as the chairperson of the INDIA alliance during a virtual meeting, but the Congress leader declined. As per reports by NDTV, the Janata Dal (United) chief proposed the name of Mr Gandhi, who declined, saying he was working at the grassroots level and his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra would also begin on Sunday. The Congress leader proposed party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's name for the alliance's top job, which was endorsed by Sonia Gandhi. When Nitish Kumar's name came up for the convenor position, he recommended his colleague Lalu Yadav, citing seniority. The dynamic exchange occurred as discussions unfolded about key leadership roles within the 28-party alliance.