NCP President Sharad Pawar revealed on Wednesday that he hasn't received an invitation to the upcoming Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya. Expressing uncertainty about BJP's motives, Pawar questioned if the party was using the event for political or commercial gains. Despite this, Pawar expressed happiness over the temple's construction, highlighting the contributions made by many. When asked about his non-invitation, Pawar responded negatively, citing his private visits to places of faith. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to conduct a roadshow in Ayodhya on December 30 ahead of the temple's consecration on January 22.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday criticized the BJP government for politicizing the upcoming Ram Temple idol installation ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22nd. Launching an attack on the BJP without naming the party, Tharoor said he saw "religion as a personal attribute and not one for political misuse." "Temples are not the government's business; unemployment, inflation, public welfare and national security are. But the media allows the temple to turn the focus away from those issues," Tharoor said. The Kerala MP added that he hadn't been invited to the event but told the media that by making it a major news story, they were "playing into the hands of those who want to milk political benefit from the Ram Mandir."  

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah criticized the Modi government, emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue with Pakistan to avoid a fate similar to Gaza. Referring to former PM Vajpayee's stance on India-Pakistan relations, Abdullah questioned the absence of dialogue despite PM Modi's aversion to war. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah stated, "If we do not find a solution through dialogue, we will meet the same fate as Gaza and Palestine, which are being bombed by Israel." Expressing concern over recent events in Jammu and Kashmir, he dismissed BJP's claims of normalcy post-Article 370's abrogation, urging a deeper understanding of terrorism's root cause. Abdullah stressed the importance of finding the right perspective to end bloodshed, emphasizing a need for meaningful solutions beyond superficial measures.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, responding to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's invite, stated, "While I am currently out of Delhi, it would be my privilege and indeed my duty to meet you at your earliest convenience as soon as I am back in Delhi." Kharge accused the government of a "predetermined and premeditated" mass suspension of MPs, expressing concern over the alleged orchestration. Dhankhar had expressed dismay, noting, "painfully" suffering Kharge's rejection and claimed disruptions in Parliament were "deliberate and strategized." The exchange emphasizes the need to uphold constitutional values amid tensions post-Winter Session.

After triumphant state polls, BJP eyes an extraordinary win in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi and Amit Shah lead discussions, urging a 10% boost in vote share. No specific seat target set, but emphasis on surpassing 2019's 303 seats. Focus on first-time voters, outreach to women, youth, farmers, and the poor. 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' key in connecting with people. Positive governance promoted over negative campaigning. Ram temple consecration highlighted as a poll advantage. Modi's leadership, welfare schemes, and strong organizational machinery cited for success. BJP gears up with various 'morchas' for upcoming elections.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran stirred controversy by stating, "Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who come to Tamil Nadu end up doing construction work or cleaning roads and toilets." In a viral clip, Maran compared those who learn English, often ending up in IT companies, with those exclusively fluent in Hindi, implying they engage in menial jobs. BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the INDIA bloc's leaders for their perceived silence on Maran's comments, accusing them of attempting to "divide and rule" the country along caste, language, and religious lines. The statement has intensified discussions on regionalism and political rhetoric.

Both BJP and Congress shift focus to Lok Sabha elections after Assembly polls. BJP's two-day meeting, ending Saturday, sets a target of 35 crore votes for 2024, emphasizing a mission mode campaign. PM Modi directs workers to promote the Ram Temple consecration on January 22, urging social media engagement and live telecasts. A strategy to reach 7 crore beneficiaries of government schemes outlined. Congress's National Alliance Committee holds its first meeting, discussing seat-sharing with INDIA bloc allies for 2024. Mukul Wasnik leads the committee, aiming for a quick decision on sharing seats.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar has proposed a meeting with Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge on December 25 to address the suspension of MPs during the Winter Session. Dhankar accuses the suspended MPs of causing "deliberate disorder" with slogans, placards, and disruptions. While Kharge expresses a willingness for dialogue, Dhankar alleges the deliberate nature of the disorder and criticizes the lack of interaction. The suspension of 146 MPs, split between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, stems from demands for a statement on the Parliament security breach. Rajya Sabha adjourned indefinitely on December 21 amid disagreements.      

In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Sachin Pilot has been named Congress General Secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh. This decision comes as part of the party's ongoing organizational restructuring, replacing Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the Uttar Pradesh in charge. Pilot's appointment is perceived as an effort to address his aspirations within the party, following past tensions in Rajasthan. Despite previous challenges, Congress aims to present a united front as it navigates political landscapes, making crucial changes in various states during a recent Congress Working Committee meeting chaired by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

Women opposition leaders Priyanka Chaturvedi and Supriya Shrinate criticized Union Minister Smriti Irani's comment on LGBTQIA+ during a Parliament discussion. Irani questioned the menstruation leave policy for LGBTQIA people, emphasizing gay men without a uterus. Chaturvedi said, "Shameful that we have a minister who doesn’t get the ambit of LGBTQIA+." Shrinate added, "LGBTQIA+ is NOT gay men alone... Minister @smritiirani your apathy, arrogance & ignorance are appalling." Irani defended her stance, claiming the question was ill-intended and designed to attract attention. The controversy follows Irani's opposition to mandatory paid menstruation leave, citing potential workplace bias.