The Congress party distanced itself from Sam Pitroda’s comments on China. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Pitroda’s views do not reflect the party’s stance. He called China India’s biggest foreign policy and security challenge. Pitroda, head of the Congress’ overseas unit, had said the China threat is exaggerated. He urged for collaboration instead of confrontation. The BJP criticised Pitroda’s remarks, calling them harmful to India's global image. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed the comments showed Congress' mindset and made India look like the aggressor.

Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, downplayed the India-China tensions, stating they are often exaggerated and result from a confrontational approach. He argued that collaboration, rather than confrontation, should be the focus, as ongoing hostility can create unnecessary enemies. In response, BJP spokespersons criticized Pitroda's stance, pointing out historical land concessions and alleging ties between Congress and China through a 2008 MOU. During a joint press conference, US President Trump expressed hope for improved US-China relations, and offered to mediate on India-China border disputes, emphasizing diplomatic cooperation to ease global conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine tensions.

After the BJP's historic victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, securing 48 out of 70 seats, the party is set to meet on February 19 to choose the next Chief Minister. Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, and Bansuri Swaraj are leading candidates. Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal, has emerged as a prominent contender due to his strong political lineage and ties to the influential Jat community. The BJP is also considering appointing two deputy CM positions to ensure broader community representation. The decision will be made ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for February 20.

Punjab politics heats up as opposition slams the Centre for landing US deportee flights in Amritsar instead of other states. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioned if the move was meant to defame Punjab, while Congress MP Manish Tewari warned against humiliating the state. The BJP defended the decision, citing Amritsar’s proximity for US-bound flights. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar called for introspection on illegal migration. The second flight carrying 119 deportees arrives on Feb 15, followed by a third on Feb 16. The Punjab government has formed an SIT to probe illegal migration networks.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has ordered an investigation into the renovation of Arvind Kejriwal's former residence, 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, following a CPWD report. The probe stems from allegations that building norms were violated during its transformation into a lavish mansion, covering 40,000 square feet. The renovation had merged neighboring government properties, leading to claims of illegal alterations. This move comes amid political disputes, with the BJP calling for the reversal of the merger and restoration of the original property layout.

A new India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation poll shows that 65% of voters want the INDIA bloc to continue despite internal issues. However, 26% think it should end. Rahul Gandhi is the top choice to lead the alliance, with 24% support. Mamata Banerjee follows with 14%, while Arvind Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav have 9% and 6%, respectively. The poll also predicts that if elections were held today, the INDIA bloc would drop to 188 seats, while the BJP-led NDA would win 343 seats. The NDA’s vote share is expected to rise to 47%.

Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi for his handling of the Gautam Adani issue during his US visit, calling it a "personal matter" and accusing Modi of protecting his "friend" from corruption allegations. Gandhi slammed Modi for dismissing questions on the matter, which US authorities had linked to a $250 million bribery scheme. While Modi defended his stance, stating that leaders of two countries don't discuss individual matters, the opposition continued to intensify its attacks on the government, demanding accountability for Adani’s alleged involvement in securities fraud.

In a strategic move following its significant defeat in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, the Indian National Congress has appointed Harshwardhan Sapkal as the new president of its Maharashtra unit. Sapkal, a Maratha leader from Vidarbha, is recognized for his grassroots organizational skills and close association with Rahul Gandhi. His appointment aims to rejuvenate the party's presence in the state. Concurrently, Vijay Wadettiwar, an OBC leader, has been named the legislative party leader, balancing the party's leadership along caste lines. Both leaders hail from Vidarbha, a region where the Congress seeks to regain its former stronghold.

    Following his loss in the recent Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has launched a YouTube channel called Berozgar Neta (Unemployed Leader). The former Delhi minister, who was defeated in the Greater Kailash constituency, stated that the channel will focus on governance, public welfare, and key social issues. Through this platform, Bharadwaj intends to stay engaged with the public and continue political discussions. His initiative comes at a time when AAP faces electoral challenges, with leaders seeking alternative ways to connect with people. The channel has already attracted attention, sparking mixed political reactions.  

After AAP's defeat in Delhi, the INDIA bloc is now riven by internal conflict in Maharashtra. Veteran leader Sharad Pawar created controversy by honoring Eknath Shinde, the defector from Shiv Sena who toppled Uddhav Thackeray’s government, with the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar. Sanjay Raut lashed out at Pawar, calling it betrayal and labeling the function as a "political gathering of brokers." BJP’s Shaina NC mocked Raut, accusing him of frustration. Pawar’s volatile political moves continue to trigger speculation, creating fissures in the opposition alliance as instability intensifies.