Amid conflicting opinions within the INDIA bloc, the Congress announced that Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury will skip the Ram Mandir event on January 22. The party labeled the ceremony as an "RSS/BJP event" and emphasized that the incomplete temple's inauguration was expedited for electoral purposes. In a statement, the Congress cited their commitment to the 2019 Supreme Court judgment but expressed reservations about the political overtone given by the BJP/RSS. This decision follows similar stances from other parties, with Mamata Banerjee terming the event a "gimmick show."

Buoyed by recent state victories, BJP eyes a robust presence in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The initial list, expected in Jan-Feb, includes PM Modi, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah. Focused on 164 constituencies where they faced challenges in 2019, BJP strategizes to contest more seats. Categorized into 'C' and 'D' groups, ministers oversee weaker constituencies. With fewer allies, BJP aims broader state presence, even in past alliance strongholds. Notable focus on UP, Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra. The party considers new faces and excludes MPs over 70. PM Modi sets an ambitious goal: secure over 50% of votes.          

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the BJP, alleging a pre-election stunt with the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration. Addressing a public event, she said, "Do whatever you want, you are doing a gimmick before the elections, do it, I have no problem, but disregarding people of other communities is not right." Banerjee vowed, "I will never allow discrimination between Hindus and Muslims as long as I live." Accusing the BJP of dividing people on religious lines, her comments reflect ongoing tensions surrounding the polarizing event. The Ram temple's 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony is set for January 22, drawing political attention ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections.

Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) engaged in talks for Lok Sabha seat-sharing in Delhi and Punjab. AAP proposes 3 Delhi seats for Congress, anticipating reciprocal gesture. AAP seeks 1 seat in Gujarat, 3 in Haryana, and 1 in Goa. The two parties, part of the INDIA alliance, plan further discussions for a finalized arrangement. AAP, ruling in Punjab, is open to allocating 6 seats to Congress in the border state. Punjab Congress leaders oppose an alliance with AAP in Lok Sabha polls. Mukul Wasnik emphasizes joint preparations to defeat BJP without disclosing meeting details.

Rahul Gandhi's upcoming Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, commencing on January 14 from Manipur, will span 6,700 km across 15 states and over 100 Lok Sabha constituencies. Initially named Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0, the march aims for political, economic, and social justice. The change in route from Arunachal Pradesh and the addition of "Jodo" reflect the impact of last year's successful Bharat Jodo Kanyakumari-Srinagar Yatra. The expedition, involving buses for logistical efficiency, concludes at Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace in Gujarat, fostering nationwide participation from political parties and the public.

Police reinforcements were stationed near Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence as leaders from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suggested his imminent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Kejriwal, who skipped a third ED summons related to a money laundering probe linked to Delhi's excise policy, faced heightened speculation. AAP leaders cited "reliable sources" predicting an ED raid and arrest. While ED didn't confirm action, AAP accused the BJP of orchestrating a pattern where leaders were predicted to be arrested before actual detention. Kejriwal's office criticized the ED's actions as "motivated." BJP called for Kejriwal's cooperation with the investigation.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal faces potential trouble as the Enforcement Directorate considers a fourth summons, following his refusal to attend the third, sources report. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) predicts an imminent arrest, citing increased security and warnings of an early morning raid. Kejriwal plans a 3-day tour in Gujarat, possibly avoiding ED actions. AAP alleges BJP leaders' advance knowledge, while Delhi Police denies blocking roads to Kejriwal's residence. The CM, who skipped recent ED summons, deems them illegal and seeks clarity on his role. This marks the third missed summons in a political tussle ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan got emotional while addressing a gathering in Budhni, MP. Although he waited for "rajtilak" (coronation) after BJP's election victory, he ended up in "vanvas" (exile) as Mohan Yadav replaced him as the new Chief Minister. However, Chouhan affirmed he will continue living and serving the people of Budhni. He assured that the welfare schemes started under his leadership will be continued by the new BJP government under CM Mohan Yadav. Chouhan reflected that although he could not become CM, it must serve a greater purpose.

Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, is likely to be appointed as the convenor of the Opposition's INDIA bloc alliance as per sources. A virtual meeting of opposition parties will be held this week to endorse this decision. The Congress has discussed Kumar's proposed appointment with him and Lalu Prasad Yadav. Other alliance partners have also been consulted. Kumar spoke to Uddhav Thackeray about this as well. Arvind Kejriwal has also expressed his support for appointing Kumar. Sanjay Raut said Thackeray will discuss this with Kejriwal and that Kumar was crucial in forming the INDIA alliance. The appointment will have two top posts - chairperson and convenor.

The BJP criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for evading Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons, labeling him an "absconding criminal" with something to hide. Shehzad Poonawalla accused Kejriwal of playing the victim card despite court-established money trails. Meanwhile, Congress supported Kejriwal, claiming agencies pressure opposition leaders. The ED issued a third summons for January 3, which Kejriwal refused, citing its illegality. This marks the third time Kejriwal has skipped ED summons. AAP's national spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, stated the party will act according to the law. ED seeks court permission to investigate AAP as a beneficiary of "proceeds of crime."