West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured Muslims that her government would protect Waqf properties amid ongoing protests. Speaking at a Jain community event in Kolkata, she said, “Even if you shoot me, I will still participate in every religion, every festival.” Taking a veiled dig at BJP, Mamata asserted that her government won't allow religious division in Bengal. “Jiyo aur jeene do,” she declared, asking minorities to trust her leadership. Protests have erupted over the new Waqf law, but Mamata emphasized unity, secularism, and resistance to communal politics. “I will not let anyone divide Bengal,” she affirmed. (PC: India Today)

TMC leader Mahua Moitra alleged that BJP members threatened Bengali fish and meat shop owners in Chittaranjan Park, Delhi, accusing them of operating near a temple. She shared a video claiming BJP supporters were trying to forcibly shut shops, targeting Bengali culture. Moitra condemned the act as intimidation and communal provocation. The BJP denied the allegations, calling the video misleading and accusing her of spreading falsehoods to polarize voters. Delhi Police have not received a formal complaint but have begun an enquiry. The issue has sparked a political clash ahead of the general elections, drawing sharp public reactions.(PC: India Today)

In a key meeting with the Congress party’s top leadership, Rahul Gandhi strongly reaffirmed that secularism is central to the Congress’s identity and ideological foundation. He emphasized the need to uphold the Indian Constitution and promote unity in diversity. Gandhi drew a clear distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva, stating that the Congress supports the former’s inclusive ethos, while accusing the BJP and RSS of weaponizing Hindutva to polarize society. (PC: ANI)

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has come into effect after being cleared by Parliament and signed by President Droupadi Murmu. The law aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India. It introduces stricter rules for creating Waqf and ensures no inheritance rights are denied. However, protests erupted in West Bengal, turning violent. Opposition leaders and Muslim organizations have challenged the law in the Supreme Court, calling it unfair. The Supreme Court will hear the case on April 16. The government has filed a caveat, asking the court to hear its side before making any decision. (PC: News18)

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly recently witnessed significant turmoil as the National Conference (NC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed over a resolution seeking the restoration of the region's special status. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary introduced the resolution, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the identity, culture, and rights of Jammu and Kashmir's people. BJP members opposed the move, leading to heated exchanges and physical altercations within the Assembly. The Speaker ordered the eviction of several protesting BJP MLAs, resulting in further chaos and the House being adjourned. This series of events underscores the deep political divisions regarding the region's constitutional status. (PC: Maktoob Media & News 18)

The BJP alleged that Hindu devotees were attacked during a Ram Navami procession in Kolkata’s Park Circus area, blaming the Trinamool Congress and accusing police of inaction. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar claimed vehicles carrying saffron flags were vandalized and devotees were “savagely attacked” as stones were hurled at them. He called the incident “targeted violence” and criticized Kolkata Police as “silent and spineless.” However, police denied any such procession took place in the area and said a case had been filed. The political row has reignited tensions over religious processions and law enforcement roles in West Bengal. (PC: India Today)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) plan will be implemented only after 2030. Speaking at SRM University, she said nearly ₹1 lakh crore was spent on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She claimed simultaneous polls could add ₹4.5 lakh crore to India’s economy. Sitharaman accused some parties of spreading false claims against ONOE. She said Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin opposes it, but his father, M. Karunanidhi, had supported it. She urged all to back the idea, saying it is not a new plan but has been discussed for 10 years. (PC: The Wire)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent address on April 6, 2025, took a sharp dig at opposition leaders for what he described as “unjustified and baseless” complaints regarding the allocation of central funds. Modi claimed that despite clear records of equitable fund distribution across states, some political parties continue to mislead the public for electoral gain. He reaffirmed his government's dedication to transparent governance and inclusive development, stating that false narratives only obstruct national progress and unity. (PC: ANI)

Political tensions are escalating in West Bengal over Ram Navami celebrations. In Howrah, authorities have meticulously planned processions (shobha yatras) with designated routes to balance religious fervor and law enforcement preparedness. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh has ignited controversy by accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attempting to hinder the festivities, alleging deliberate targeting of Hindu sentiments under the pretext of maintaining law and order. He asserted that Hindus possess the right to celebrate peacefully and warned that any restrictions would be perceived as political appeasement. In response, police have issued traffic advisories and deployed forces in sensitive areas to prevent communal tensions. (PC: Outlook India & The Indian Express)

Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it discriminatory against Muslims. Passed in Rajya Sabha after midnight Thursday, the bill awaits presidential assent. Jawed argues the law violates Articles 14, 25, 26, 29, and 300A of the Constitution, citing undue state control and inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards. The petition says this contradicts practices in Hindu and Sikh trusts and discriminates against new converts to Islam. Both leaders demand the court strike down the bill, claiming it undermines minority religious freedom and property rights. (PC: NDTV)