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.            

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.