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.

The opposition came down heavily on the BJP after vocal TMC MP Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha over cash-for-query charges without being allowed to defend herself. "They cannot tolerate a woman in power. How did they think this expulsion was enough to mute her...In 2024, she will contest elections," said TMC's Shashi Panja. Congress MP Manickam Tagore alleged, "Whoever speaks against Adani will be silenced...Mahua is a perfect example." Calling it a "planned conspiracy", he said, "Democracy failed today...this is like third emergency." Congress' Shashi Tharoor termed it a "good sign for the future," expressing hope that Moitra will be re-elected with a bigger majority.

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, denounced the expulsion of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, declaring it a "betrayal of constitutional rights" by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee. Banerjee accused the BJP of undemocratic practices, stating, "This is a classic example of how democracy can be killed." Expressing shock at the decision, she called it a sad day for the Indian Parliament and emphasized Moitra's eventual victory. Opposition MPs criticized the hasty decision, highlighting the lack of cross-examination in the Ethics Committee's report. Banerjee pledged her party's support to Moitra and condemned the BJP's actions as vindictive.

"The committee broke every rule...Tomorrow, the CBI will be sent to my home to harass me," Trinamool's Mahua Moitra told media after her Lok Sabha expulsion today over 'cash-for-query' allegations. Moitra accused the ethics panel of "weaponization" and "tenacious witch-hunt" of a "single woman with no political lineage". Though the Opposition demanded she be allowed to speak, Moitra was denied the chance. Earlier she had walked out of questioning calling it "filthy". Sonia Gandhi backed Moitra's stand. The panel dismissed her charge of being silenced saying she left midway herself. Tomorrow the CBI may harass me, Moitra fears.

Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra's five-year journey as a Lok Sabha member ended Friday as she was expelled over the alleged "cash-for-question" case. Though Moitra and the Trinamool Congress wanted to defend herself on the floor of the House, she was denied the chance to speak. "There was no evidence of any cash, any gifts anywhere. The recommendation of expulsion was solely based on the complaint that I shared my login. But there is no rule whatsoever in this regard," Moitra reiterated outside the Parliament after her expulsion. Claiming that it was a "kangaroo court," Moitra added key witness Darshan Hiranandani was not even heard by the ethics committee. The ethics committee report which recommended the expulsion of Mahua Moitra was tabled on Friday and within hours the West Bengal MP was expelled.