Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court is hearing a case linked to the Delhi excise policy matter involving Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal asked that she step aside and another judge hear the case. He said there was a fear of unfairness, which the court recorded as an “apprehension of bias”. Kejriwal argued his own plea in court. Justice Sharma became a Delhi High Court judge in 2022 after many years in lower courts. She handled family, women-related and CBI cases earlier. The CBI opposed the request and said it sets a “dangerous precedent”. Her order is expected Monday. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise stop for jhalmuri during his election campaign in West Bengal on Sunday. During a visit to Jhargram, Modi was seen asking a street vendor, "Bhai, hame apna Jhalmuri khilao." He then asked the price and paid for the snack after the seller first refused to take money. Modi later shared photos and a video on X, calling it a "Jhalmuri Break in Jhargram". He said he enjoyed the spicy puffed rice snack between four public meetings held across West Bengal during a busy campaign day. (PC: X)

Opposition parties are likely to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate implementation of the women’s reservation law without linking it to delimitation. The issue was discussed at a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. Leaders also planned a campaign to say they support women’s reservation. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accused the BJP of using the quota law to change the Constitution and weaken reservation for Dalits and tribals. He said a “clean” Bill should be introduced without seat increase or delimitation. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the party’s stand has remained unchanged. (PC: The hindu)

DUSU president Aryan Maan and several ABVP workers allegedly forced their way into Delhi University’s Gargi College after being stopped at the gate. College rules allow male visitors only after verification on special occasions. The incident was linked to student council elections held on Friday. Reports said a candidate complained of unfair treatment and contacted Maan. Police officers later escorted Maan and others out of the campus. Students were also seen raising slogans against ABVP. AAP shared a video of the incident and questioned BJP and ABVP over “sanskaar”. Police said no untoward incident was reported and no complaint has been received so far.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the opposition after three key bills failed in the Lok Sabha. These included the Constitution Amendment Bill, the Delimitation Bill, and the Union Territories Amendment Bill. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Modi said the opposition would “pay a price” for not supporting the women’s reservation move. The government failed to secure a two-thirds majority needed to pass the bills. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called it a missed chance for reform. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said the defeat was a “victory for democracy” and accused the government of trying to weaken democratic values.

Narendra Modi criticised opposition parties after the defeat of the Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, warning they would “pay a price” for not supporting it. The bill, linked to delimitation and women’s reservation, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, along with the Delimitation Bill and Union Territories (Amendment) Bill. Calling it a missed opportunity, Kiren Rijiju expressed disappointment. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi termed the outcome a “victory for democracy,” alleging misuse of the proposal for political gains. This marks the first major constitutional amendment defeat for the BJP-led government since 2014. (PC: X)

India’s women’s quota bill collapsed in the Lok Sabha after failing to secure the required two-thirds majority, exposing sharp political divides. Despite 298 votes in favour and 230 against, the bill fell short of the 352 needed. The NDA, led by leaders like Amit Shah and Kiren Rijiju, accused the Opposition of harbouring an “anti-women” mindset and sabotaging 33% reservation for women. The Opposition, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, defended their stance, calling the bill “unconstitutional” and procedurally flawed. With both sides claiming moral victory, the issue of women’s political representation is set to remain a central electoral flashpoint. (PC: India Today)

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill linked to the Women’s Reservation proposal failed in the Lok Sabha after falling short of the required two-thirds majority. While 298 MPs voted in favour, 230 opposed the bill, preventing its passage. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed the outcome and adjourned proceedings. Following the setback, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that related legislations, including delimitation and Union Territories amendments, would not be pursued. The debate saw sharp exchanges between the ruling NDA, led by Narendra Modi, and the opposition led by Rahul Gandhi, which questioned the bill’s intent. (PC: X)

Narendra Modi said the women’s reservation bill will not “discriminate” and will support democracy. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he urged all parties to back the law. “This decision process will not be unfair to anyone,” he said. He added the bill will be a “collective success” and not a win for one party. Modi said women have been denied this right for years. He warned those opposing it may not be “forgiven” by women. The bill, also called Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, is being discussed in a special Parliament session. (PC: HT)

The Centre faces a tough test to pass the delimitation bill, as Opposition numbers can block it in the Lok Sabha. The bill needs about 360 votes if all members are present. The NDA has around 293 MPs, falling short by about 67. The Opposition has around 234 MPs, enough to stop the two-thirds mark. Leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge said the bill is “politically motivated”. Rahul Gandhi called it a “conspiracy”. The government says it will push women’s reservation. But without support from allies and rivals, passage remains uncertain.