The BJP has announced 79 candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. However, the Congress party has criticized the BJP for not naming Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in its second list of candidates, calling it a "height of disrespect." The BJP has fielded Union ministers and prominent party leaders in the state polls, including those who have never contested assembly elections. This move signifies the BJP's open leadership approach in Madhya Pradesh. Three Union ministers and four MPs were named in the second list, raising eyebrows within the party, with some candidates expressing surprise and reluctance.

The BJP has appointed Ramesh Bidhuri as election in-charge for the Tonk constituency in Rajasthan, where Congress leader Sachin Pilot may contest the upcoming polls. Bidhuri recently stirred controversy by shouting abusive anti-Muslim remarks against BSP MP Danish Ali in Parliament. His comments were expunged after drawing outrage, and opposition parties demanded action and his suspension. The BJP issued Bidhuri a show cause notice over the remarks. Despite the row, his appointment as poll in-charge for Tonk, a Pilot bastion, has raised eyebrows. The Rajasthan assembly elections are expected in November this year. Bidhuri's anti-minority comments have been called an attack on the constitution and attempt to bring communal hatred into Parliament.

BJP MP Maneka Gandhi has accused ISKCON of selling cows to butchers in a viral video. Gandhi claimed that ISKCON runs cow shelters and gets benefits from the government, but found no cows or calves at their Anantpur Goshala. She alleged that ISKCON sold all the cows to butchers. In response, ISKCON spokesperson Yudhistir Govinda Das denied the allegations on Twitter, stating that ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow protection globally, and serves cows for life rather than selling them to butchers.

The BJP is considering fielding prominent central leaders in the upcoming Rajasthan elections, similar to its recent strategy in Madhya Pradesh. Party sources say the tactic could present a united front and introduce new faces ahead of the polls. The names being discussed include Union ministers Gajendra Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal and others. This approach echoes the BJP's focus on Prime Minister Modi's leadership over state issues and chief minister candidates. It also sends a message to incumbent CM Vasundhara Raje that she may not lead the party this time. The opposition Congress has criticized the strategy as desperate.

  Speculation surrounds Shivraj Singh Chouhan's role in the upcoming Madhya Pradesh election as the longest-serving chief minister of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While top BJP sources deny reports that Chouhan will be denied a ticket, the ambiguity surrounding his immediate political future remains. The BJP's unusual move to field three union ministers and a national general secretary in the state election has raised questions about Chouhan's position. The party emphasizes "curbing nepotism" and winning seats, requiring regional leaders to prove their worth for state elections. The BJP faces a united opposition in Madhya Pradesh, making the election crucial.

Ahead of the Telangana assembly elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi unveiled six guarantees that the party will implement if elected to power. Sonia explained the 'Mahalakshmi' guarantee which promises Rs 2,500 monthly financial aid for women, gas cylinders at Rs 500 and free TSRTC bus travel for women. Rahul outlined other guarantees related to housing, free electricity, education, healthcare, pensions and farmer welfare. Rahul asserted that the guarantees will be fulfilled in the first cabinet meeting of the Congress government. The promises aim to showcase Congress' commitment to inclusive development for all sections of society in Telangana, in line with Sonia's dream of seeing a Congress government that works for the people.

The BJP faced sharp criticism from opposition parties including Congress for hosting extravagant celebrations after the G20 summit on a tragic day when security personnel were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Congress termed PM Modi and BJP as insensitive for disregarding the gravity of the situation. Pawan Khera juxtaposed images of grieving families and PM's grand reception, remarking he can't postpone accolades. Supriya Shrinate condemned continued festivities despite being aware of the attack since morning unlike after Pulwama. Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed disappointment that celebrations couldn't be postponed on a day forces fought valiantly. RJD's Manoj Jha highlighted the stark contrast between soldiers' sacrifice and BJP's jubilation.

Prime Minister Modi accused the INDIA opposition alliance of plotting to "finish" Sanatana Dharma and push India back into slavery. His remarks at an event in Madhya Pradesh were in response to controversial comments by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin equating Sanatana Dharma to diseases. Modi said the alliance wants to erase India's culture and faith that inspired heroes like Rani Lakshmibai. He urged all Sanatanis to stay vigilant against such forces trying to end Sanatana traditions.

The INDIA political alliance has decided to boycott 14 prominent TV news anchors. After their first coordination committee meeting on Wednesday, the alliance announced they will not send representatives to appear on shows hosted by these anchors, who they say promote biased coverage against the opposition. The boycott list includes anchors from major networks like Aaj Tak, News18, Times Now, Republic Bharat and India Today. This collective media blackout by an alliance is the first of its kind.

The government has finally revealed the special 5-day parliament session starting next week will discuss the 75-year history of parliament. The session beginning September 18 will also clear 4 bills including the controversial Chief Election Commissioner appointment bill. The other bills are the Post Office Bill, the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill. Speculation was rife that the government could bring bills on 'One Nation, One Election', the Uniform Civil Code, and women's reservation. The government refused to divulge the agenda earlier despite opposition demands, citing parliamentary practices. Sonia Gandhi had earlier written to PM Modi suggesting 9 discussion topics including Manipur violence and wrestlers' protests.