External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s claim that he visited the US to get an invitation for PM Modi to attend Donald Trump’s swearing-in. Jaishankar said no such discussion took place and accused Gandhi of spreading false information. He stated that India's Prime Minister does not attend such events. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also demanded proof of Gandhi’s claim. Jaishankar attended Trump’s inauguration on January 20 as India’s representative. He warned that making false claims for political gain could harm India's global reputation.

Rahul Gandhi attacked the government in Lok Sabha, saying India’s dependence on Chinese goods is a big security risk. He linked this to the failure of ‘Make in India’ and claimed Chinese forces are inside Indian territory. He warned that if war breaks out, India will rely on Chinese-made parts. Gandhi also called for stronger ties with the US to boost India’s industry. He criticised the President’s address, calling it a repeat of past speeches. Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed his claims and asked for proof. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the speech.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the 2025 budget the most "middle-class friendly." He criticised Congress, saying, “If you were earning ₹12 lakh during Nehru Ji’s time, one-fourth of your salary would have gone as tax. Under Indira Ji, ₹10 lakh out of ₹12 lakh was taxed.” Modi added, “After yesterday’s budget, those earning ₹12 lakh will not have to pay a single rupee in tax.” He also announced 50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs and 10,000 fellowships for Delhi youth. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman raised the tax-free income limit to ₹12 lakh, benefiting 6.3 crore taxpayers.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized the AAP government ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, saying he feels "ashamed" abroad due to the capital’s lack of basic amenities. He accused AAP of failing to provide clean water, electricity, healthcare, and housing in 10 years. Jaishankar urged voters to bring BJP to power. Union Minister Amit Shah also accused AAP of corruption and sheltering illegal immigrants. BJP leader Anurag Thakur attacked AAP over pollution and infrastructure as parties intensified campaigns. Delhi faces a triangular contest between AAP, BJP, and Congress.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to the Election Commission, alleging BJP-backed attacks on AAP workers and police harassment ahead of the February 5 Assembly polls. He claimed senior AAP volunteer Chetan was unlawfully detained, beaten, and later hospitalized. Kejriwal accused BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, of orchestrating violence. AAP MLA Mohinder Goyal was also allegedly assaulted in Rohini. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh demanded ECI intervention, alleging BJP workers obstructed AAP’s campaign. Kejriwal faces BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit in a tight New Delhi constituency contest. Vote counting is scheduled for February 8.

Eight Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs resigned after being denied tickets for the Delhi election. The legislators—Girish Soni, Rohit Mehraulia, Madan Lal, Rajesh Rishi, Naresh Yadav, Bhavna Gaur, Pawan Kumar Sharma, and BS Joon—cited lost faith in Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership. Some accused AAP of corruption, abandoning its founding principles, and neglecting marginalized communities. AAP dropped 20 incumbents and fielded turncoats from BJP and Congress. The Delhi election is on February 5, with results on February 8. The resignations raise questions about AAP’s internal stability before the polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a dig at the Opposition, stating that for the first time since 2014, no "foreign forces" attempted to interfere before a Parliament session. Addressing the Budget session, he emphasized that the Union Budget will pave the way for a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047, focusing on youth, women empowerment, and investment. He also invoked Goddess Lakshmi, praying for prosperity for the poor and middle class. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget on Saturday, following the Economic Survey. The session will be held in two phases, from Jan 31 to Feb 13 and Mar 10 to Apr 4.

India’s Budget Session began with President Droupadi Murmu addressing Parliament, outlining the government's vision. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey 2024-25, assessing the economy’s performance and future outlook. The government has listed 16 Bills for discussion, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill. Sitharaman will present the first full Budget of Modi 3.0 on Saturday, with expectations of tax reforms. The session will have 27 sittings, concluding on April 4, with discussions on the President’s address set for February 3-4 in Lok Sabha and February 3-6 in Rajya Sabha.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal challenged Union Minister Amit Shah and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to drink Yamuna water in public, reiterating his claim that Haryana is poisoning it. He alleged ammonia levels spiked to 7 PPM, calling it a "deliberate conspiracy" to disrupt Delhi's water supply. Citing a Jal Board CEO’s letter, Kejriwal accused BJP of endangering Delhiites. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini threatened legal action, while PM Modi dismissed the claim, saying, "I drink the same water." With Delhi elections on February 5, access to clean water remains a major poll issue.

PM Modi, at a Delhi rally, rebuffed AAP’s claim that Haryana poisoned Yamuna water, asking, "Can Haryana BJP poison me?" He argued Yamuna water is consumed by judges, diplomats, and Delhiites, including himself, and called AAP’s remarks divisive and insulting to Haryana. AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, alleged that ammonia contamination in Yamuna water from Haryana posed a health risk, endangering Delhi residents. Modi accused AAP of electoral fear-mongering and vowed BJP’s “double-engine government” would address Delhi’s long-standing issues. He also extended condolences for lives lost in the Maha Kumbh stampede earlier that day.