The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, has backed the Women’s Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill, a day after Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At a meeting in Chandigarh, SAD leaders demanded the immediate implementation of women’s reservation and supported a “fair and equitable” delimitation process. The party also backed the Centre’s proposal for a uniform 50% increase in parliamentary seats across all states. SAD leader Naresh Gujral said the decision was logical, noting that the party has long supported women’s reservation and considers delimitation necessary. The move comes amid renewed political discussions over the SAD-BJP relationship. (PC: HT)

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and described the meeting as “a morning to cherish”. Chadha called the interaction detailed and enriching but did not disclose what was discussed. The meeting comes months before the Punjab Assembly elections and has sparked political interest in the state. Chadha joined the BJP earlier this year after leaving the Aam Aadmi Party along with 6 other MPs. He is expected to play an active role in Punjab, where the BJP is looking to expand its support. The meeting came a day after SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Modi. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday described the E20 issue as a “very big issue”, alleging it is affecting people’s cars, scooters and lives. Speaking on the matter, Gandhi said Congress would take up the issue “in a massive way”, while linking it to what he described as widespread corruption. Stressing the seriousness of the controversy, he remarked, “Yeh E20 ka jo maamla hai bohot bada issue hai... daal mein kuch kaala nahi, daal hi kaali hai.” Gandhi said the E20 issue would not be ignored despite several other concerns, arguing that the scale of alleged corruption had created a long list of issues requiring attention and careful sequencing before action.

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra's plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order directing her to appear before police in a hate speech case. During the hearing, the bench questioned Moitra's concerns that eggs could be thrown at her if she appeared before investigators, remarking that freedom fighters had faced bullets. The court refused to grant relief, following which Moitra's counsel withdrew the petition. The case comes amid claims that several Trinamool leaders, including Moitra and Abhishek Banerjee, have faced egg attacks after the BJP formed the government in West Bengal following the Assembly elections earlier this year. (PC: PTI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has rejected the DMK's demand for an all-party meeting on the Cauvery water dispute and the proposed Mekedatu dam project, asserting that the issue should not be politicised. Responding to criticism from Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vijay said he was prepared to face personal insults but would remain focused on protecting Tamil Nadu's water rights and farmers' interests. The exchange marks an escalation in the political confrontation between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK, as both sides trade accusations over the state's strategy to address the long-standing interstate river dispute. (PC: PTI)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government after videos showed giant industrial fans being used to dry waterlogged sections of the ₹4,200-crore Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway. Calling it a "new wind of BJP progress," he mocked the administration on social media, questioning the quality of infrastructure despite massive public spending. The incident sparked political controversy, with the opposition alleging poor construction standards and mismanagement. The BJP defended the project, while officials said the measures were temporary to restore traffic quickly following heavy rainfall. The episode has intensified debate over infrastructure quality and accountability. (PC: X)

The Narendra Modi government has stepped up efforts to break the Parliament deadlock by reaching out to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill and the delimitation-linked Constitution Amendment Bill. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held two meetings with Rahul Gandhi within 10 days as the Monsoon Session remains disrupted over the NEET paper leak protests, police action on students and the alleged Ram Temple donation theft. While the Centre is seeking Opposition support for key legislation, Congress has maintained that Parliament can function only after Home Minister Amit Shah addresses its demands. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday defended student protesters, saying they “do not need to apologise to anyone” because they were standing up for the Constitution and the idea of India. Speaking outside 10 Janpath in New Delhi, Gandhi said the country's education system is failing and requires urgent reforms. He alleged that the protesters were peaceful but were assaulted, threatened and forced to issue public apologies. Gandhi also criticised the alleged harassment of students and their families, calling it unacceptable. Student activist Ria Ahir claimed she prevented the unlawful detention of several students and urged the media to change its narrative. (PC: HT)

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has ruled out an immediate entry into electoral politics, saying its priority is to build a nationwide social movement focused on youth concerns. Founder Abhijeet Dipke told Reuters the organisation would consult supporters before deciding its future direction, adding that any political party would only be formed if there was overwhelming public demand. Dipke said young Indians had lost faith in political institutions, courts and the media, and CJP wanted to restore accountability rather than seek power. After leading protests over exam paper leaks that prompted the Education Minister's resignation, the movement plans to keep championing issues affecting India's youth instead of contesting elections. (PC: Reuters)

Udhayanidhi Stalin was released on Tuesday after the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu Police to free him once questioning was completed. The case is linked to his alleged "double-meaning" remark during a protest meeting in Thanjavur. During the hearing, Advocate General Vijay Narayan said the state did not plan to seek judicial custody. "The police only intend to question him and release him on station bail," he told the court. The High Court also directed Udhayanidhi to cooperate with the investigation whenever required. Police have booked him under several sections, including charges related to obscene remarks and insulting the modesty of a woman. (PC: NDTV)