Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the Opposition for their remarks on the Maha Kumbh. "Vultures found corpses, pigs found filth, and devotees found God," he said, targeting critics who highlighted stampede deaths and cleanliness issues. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav accused Yogi of using "inappropriate" language. "Words should respect the spiritual significance of Maha Kumbh," he said. Mamata Banerjee called it "Mrityu Kumbh," linking it to stampede deaths. Despite the controversy, the Maha Kumbh has drawn millions of devotees. Political debates over its organisation continue.

The BJP and AAP are in a heated argument over a photo of BR Ambedkar in the Delhi CM’s office. Arvind Kejriwal claimed the BJP removed Ambedkar’s photo and replaced it with PM Modi’s image. BJP leader Amit Malviya denied this and shared a picture showing Ambedkar’s photo still there. He accused Kejriwal of “cheap politics.” Kejriwal said removing Ambedkar’s image hurt millions of his followers. The BJP called his claim false and said he was trying to mislead people. The argument comes after AAP’s big loss in the Delhi elections.

A political controversy erupted in Delhi after AAP alleged that the BJP-led government removed the photos of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from the Chief Minister’s office, replacing them with portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, President Droupadi Murmu, and PM Narendra Modi. AAP leader Atishi shared images claiming the BJP’s actions reflected its "anti-Dalit" stance, while Kejriwal called it an insult to Ambedkar’s followers. CM Rekha Gupta dismissed the allegations as a diversion from AAP’s corruption. BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely accused AAP of stirring controversy to avoid discussions on the pending CAG reports in the Delhi Assembly.  

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the Centre for offering a ₹520 crore loan instead of direct financial aid to Kerala for Wayanad landslide relief. She accused the government of neglecting the state’s crisis and imposing conditional assistance despite the devastating impact on livelihoods and infrastructure. Gandhi emphasized the need for unconditional support to help affected families rebuild. The Congress has urged the BJP-led government to provide immediate grants rather than loans. The controversy adds to ongoing political tensions, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of discriminatory disaster relief policies.  

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is reportedly at odds with the party leadership, expressing concerns about being sidelined. In a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, he sought clarity on his role. Tharoor has also criticized the leadership crisis in Kerala Congress and hinted at aspirations for the chief ministerial post. While KPCC President K. Sudhakaran insists he won’t quit, he warned Tharoor against public statements that may harm the party. This internal discord has fueled speculation about Tharoor’s political future.

In the first session of the newly formed Delhi Assembly, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her six cabinet ministers took their oath as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely was sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker. Delhi's new opposition leader, Atishi, also assumed her role as the first woman to hold the position. The session began with a rendition of "Vande Mataram." Tomorrow, the Lieutenant Governor will address the assembly, and CAG reports will be tabled, holding the previous government accountable for its financial actions. A new Speaker election will take place later today, with BJP’s Vijender Gupta likely to be chosen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has nominated ten influential personalities to spearhead a nationwide initiative combating obesity and reducing excessive edible oil consumption. This action follows his recent 'Mann Ki Baat' address, where he urged citizens to decrease their oil intake by 10% to address rising health concerns. The selected advocates include Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, actor Mohanlal, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, singer Shreya Ghoshal, actor R. Madhavan, philanthropist and MP Sudha Murty, Bhojpuri artist Nirahua, shooter Manu Bhaker, and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. Each nominee is encouraged to further the movement by nominating ten additional individuals, amplifying the campaign's reach and impact. 

The central government has reaffirmed its commitment to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 despite Tamil Nadu’s strong opposition. The state rejects the three-language policy, favoring its existing two-language system. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that NEP does not impose any language but promotes multilingual learning with flexibility for states. He criticized Tamil Nadu’s stance as narrow-minded and politically motivated. The Centre made it clear it will not yield to what it sees as blackmail, emphasizing that NEP aims to enhance education while respecting linguistic diversity. Tensions between the state and Centre continue over language policy.  

Congress has asked the Modi government to clarify former US President Donald Trump’s claim that $21 million in USAID funds were sent to India for voter turnout. Congress leader Pawan Khera said fact-checks showed the funds were for Bangladesh, not India. He accused the BJP of misleading people and questioned why the government had not explained USAID’s financial support. Congress also pointed out that USAID funds have been used for major government projects like Digital India. Meanwhile, the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of working with foreign powers to weaken the government. The issue remains a topic of debate.

Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as the second Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 67-year-old ex-IAS officer, who retired as RBI Governor in December 2024, will assume office soon, as per the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. His tenure will be co-terminus with that of the Prime Minister. PK Mishra remains the first Principal Secretary, serving since 2019. Das, a 1980-batch Tamil Nadu cadre officer, played a crucial role in India's economic stability during crises like Covid-19. He was awarded a D Litt by Utkal University in 2021.