Defending Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's statement to lift the hijab ban, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said the Congress government is working "as per the law and framework of the Constitution." The previous BJP government in the State had imposed a hijab ban on students in educational institutions. "Any policy detrimental to Karnataka's development will be reviewed and removed if necessary," Kharge stated. The decision was termed "hasty" by ex-CM BS Yediyurappa to "appease Muslims." CM Siddaramaiah had announced withdrawing the order, stating "The choice of clothes is one's own prerogative." The Congress government maintained it is following the Constitution by removing the previous BJP regime's ban. Yediyurappa criticized it as appeasement politics, but Siddaramaiah asserted it upholds individual rights and choice.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a significant announcement on Friday, declaring the imminent withdrawal of the hijab ban in the state. During a public address in Mysore, he emphatically stated, "Hijab ban isn't there anymore. (Women) can wear hijab and go anywhere." Asserting individual freedom, Siddaramaiah added, "How you dress and what you eat is your choice. I have directed to withdraw the (ban) order. Why should I obstruct you?" The Chief Minister reinforced the right of people to make personal choices, promoting inclusivity in attire and dietary preferences. In 2022, the BJP government under Chief Minister B Bommai banned the head covering in educational institutes in the state leading to a massive row.

Rahul Gandhi spoke with Nitish Kumar after concerns arose regarding Mallikarjun Kharge's proposed Prime Ministerial candidacy at the INDIA bloc meeting. Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal suggested Kharge as a potential Dalit PM. However, no decision was finalized. Leaders, including Vaiko, confirmed Kharge's focus on alliance strength before decisions. In a telephonic conversation, Rahul clarified Congress's stance to Nitish. They discussed alliance strength and Bihar cabinet expansion, with Nitish expressing readiness to increase Congress ministers. The delay in expansion was attributed to Lalu Yadav's lack of clarity. Congress aims to decide 2024 Lok Sabha candidates soon for an effective INDIA bloc against the ruling BJP.

Leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc are set to stage a nationwide protest today, denouncing the suspension of a historic 146 MPs during the Winter Session. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Rahul Gandhi will address the demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar at 11 am. The protest follows disruptions in the Winter Session, with Kharge urging the government to "behave democratically." Similar demonstrations are planned at district headquarters across the country. The suspensions, escalating to a record-breaking count, resulted from the recent breach of Parliament security.

Delhi High Court has instructed the Election Commission to take action against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his derogatory remarks, calling PM Modi, HM Amit Shah, and businessman Gautam Adani 'pickpockets.' The court, noting the statements were not in good taste, granted the EC eight weeks to act, emphasizing the need for swift resolution. Earlier, the EC had issued a notice to Gandhi, who failed to respond. While the court didn't specify the action, it urged compliance with the law. The EC notice stemmed from Gandhi's 'panauti and pickpocket' jibes, deemed potentially violating electoral conduct.

Three more Congress MPs - Deepak Baij, Nakul Nath and DK Suresh - were suspended from the Lok Sabha on Thursday. This takes the total number of MPs suspended from Parliament over recent disruptions to 146. Over 140 opposition MPs have faced suspension for causing disruptions in both houses of Parliament and shouting slogans demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach at Parliament on December 13th. The opposition has been protesting to question the government about loopholes that allowed the security breach, but the repeated disruptions have stalled Parliament functioning, prompting widespread MP suspensions.

Tamil Nadu minister K Ponmudy faces a three-year jail term in a ₹1.75-crore disproportionate assets case. The Madras High Court overturned a trial court's acquittal, citing overwhelming evidence. Ponmudy, a DMK leader, need not surrender immediately, as his jail term is suspended for 30 days, allowing an appeal to the Supreme Court. Post-conviction, he loses his ministerial position, and his portfolio may be reassigned. The case, dating back to the DMK's 2006-2011 tenure, led to tensions between the state government and Governor RN Ravi, who demanded Ponmudy's removal. Conflict persists in the Supreme Court over delayed bill clearance.

Over 140 suspended opposition MPs led by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge held a protest march from Parliament to Vijay Chowk on Thursday against their mass suspension. Carrying "Save Democracy" banners, the MPs accused the ruling BJP of undermining democracy after passing three crucial bills this week in the absence of most opposition voices. The opposition condemned their large-scale suspension, claimed democracy has been "expelled" from Parliament, and demanded accountability from the BJP over last week's security breach controversy that triggered the suspensions. The dramatic scenes underline deepening political tensions between a defiant opposition and the government.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in securing victory in the 2024 elections, stating that people realize India is on the cusp of major economic take-off under his leadership. He cited his government's track record of delivering tangible change for the common man. Modi dismissed suggestions that his government would amend the constitution in a third term as meaningless, saying India's most transformative policy steps have been achieved within the existing framework through public participation. He stated that claims of threats to Indian democracy insult the intelligence of voters.

Amid the mimicry controversy involving Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh points to a 2017 video where PM Modi allegedly "mocked" former VP Hamid Ansari's identity. Ramesh calls it a diversion from the suspension of 144 MPs and the recent Parliament security breach. The shared video suggests Modi reduced Ansari's identity to religion. Ramesh criticizes the PM and supporters, labeling them hypocrites. Dhankhar slams Banerjee's mimicry, calling it shameful. A police complaint has been filed against the TMC MP for the incident.