BJP President JP Nadda held a virtual meeting on Saturday with the party's newly-elected lawmakers in Rajasthan. The meeting comes as suspense continues over who will be the next Chief Minister following the BJP's election victory. Nadda spoke to legislators in batches of 30 as the party looks to form a new government. Top contenders for Rajasthan CM include ex-Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Arjun Meghwal. However, Nadda's meeting gave no indications of CM preference. The discussions follow the appointment of central observers to oversee the formation of BJP state governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh after recent elections. An announcement is still awaited on CM picks for all three states.

Sameena Bi, a Muslim woman assaulted by kin over voting BJP in Madhya Pradesh polls, met Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking safety. Accompanied by her two children, Bi said her brother-in-law Javed beat her up asking why she supported Chouhan's party. The CM assured protection saying Bi exercised her right constitutionally. "They will keep us safe so I can vote my choice," Bi stated, adding she backs BJP for Chouhan's welfare schemes. Though he led BJP to a second historic term in MP, Chouhan insists he's not in the CM race. Bi said she would vote BJP again considering Chouhan's concern over her plight after the attack.

Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali responded to his suspension from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Saturday by denying allegations of indulging in "anti-party activities." Ali stated that he made efforts to strengthen the BSP and would continue opposing the "anti-people policies" of the BJP government. He thanked party chief Mayawati for making him the Parliamentary party leader. "If raising my voice against injustice is a crime, I am ready to face punishment," Ali asserted in a press conference. He claimed he always followed the BSP's directives and called his suspension "unfortunate." Ali's statements come after the BSP suspended him citing repeated warnings against actions not in the party's interest, which have fueled rumors of his growing bonding with the Congress.

Bahujan Samaj Party MP Danish Ali has been expelled from the party for "anti-party activities", months after facing abuse from BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri in Parliament. The BSP statement said despite repeated warnings, Ali kept acting against the party's policies, ideology and discipline. Earlier, Bidhuri made objectionable remarks against Ali in Lok Sabha, after which Ali met several major Opposition leaders in protest. Recently, he held a solo demonstration outside Parliament with a placard saying "don't turn victim into culprit", referring to TMC MP Mahua Moitra's Lok Sabha expulsion. "Decorum in Parliament died in September... it was bombed when Ramesh Bidhuri made those comments. And now they are saying this? Today, (Mahatma) Gandhi and Ambedkar are crying," a visibly upset Ali told news agency ANI.

Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy strongly objected to AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi being appointed pro-tem Speaker, calling it an "insult" to senior MLAs and against tradition. Reddy asserted that a senior leader is customarily named to the post. He claimed Congress appointed Owaisi due to its understanding with AIMIM. Demanding the Speaker election shouldn't happen under Owaisi, Reddy said he will take this up with the Governor. His statement came as Owaisi took oath for the temporary role to officiate the assembly session until new members are sworn-in and a Speaker is elected. Reddy interacted with media after meeting BJP's 8 elected MLAs. The objection underscores BJP's opposition to AIMIM despite Owaisi's role being primarily symbolic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi as she turned 77 on Saturday, praying for her long and healthy life. Sonia is celebrating her birthday in Rajasthan with children Rahul and Priyanka at a luxurious resort near Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. She reached Jaipur on Thursday and took a chopper to Sawai Madhopur where Rahul and Priyanka later joined her after arriving from the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Though Sonia has taken a backseat from active politics in recent years due to health issues, she continues to play a key strategic role in the Congress party. Modi setting aside political differences to wish her well reflects the public stature she still commands.

The Congress-led Telangana government introduces the 'Maha Lakshmi' scheme, fulfilling a manifesto promise. Effective from December 9, 2023, the initiative provides free bus travel for girls, women, and transgender individuals within the state's borders using Palle Velugu and Express buses. The scheme aims to empower and benefit residents of Telangana, with plans for a smart card system underway. The government will reimburse the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation for chargeable fares, ensuring accessible transportation for the specified groups. The move aligns with the broader goal of enhancing inclusivity and women's welfare.

Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, expelled from the Lok Sabha amidst 'cash-for-query' allegations, declared, "This Lok Sabha has seen the weaponization of a Parliamentary committee." Moitra accused the ethics committee of acting without proof and becoming a tool to "thok do" the opposition into submission. She emphasized, "You are finding me guilty of breaching a code of ethics that does not exist." Opposition leaders joined in condemning the expulsion, with Mamata Banerjee expressing shock and alleging the Centre's destruction of constitutional rights. The controversy raises concerns about the parliamentary committee's role and political clashes.

AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi appointed as the pro-tem speaker for the first session of the new Telangana Legislative Assembly starting Saturday. As per the governor's notice, Owaisi will perform the speaker's duties and administer the oath to elected members until a new Assembly speaker is chosen as per constitutional provisions. The pro-tem speaker officiates the session until members are sworn in and a regular speaker is elected, after which legislative activities formally begin under the new leadership. Owaisi's appointment marks the commencement of post-election formalities to set up the third Telangana Assembly under the new government.

Former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao underwent successful left hip replacement surgery on Friday at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad. He required the surgery after fracturing his hip in a fall on Thursday. A team of senior orthopedic surgeons performed the planned total hip replacement procedure. Rao tolerated the surgery well and remained stable throughout, the hospital bulletin said. He has been shifted to a room for routine post-op care, including IV fluids, antibiotics and pain management. Doctors said the usual recovery period is 6-8 weeks. BRS leader Dasoju Srravan said the surgery went smoothly and Rao is fine, with hopes he can be discharged in 3 days.