Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal and Delhi, calling it “inhuman” to deny healthcare for political interests. He launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for senior citizens, offering health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for those over 70. Additionally, those already under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will receive a Rs 5 lakh top-up. This new initiative aims to support around 6 crore senior citizens nationwide, improving access to healthcare for the elderly.

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, announced he received assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. After returning from New Delhi, Abdullah expressed optimism, sharing that commitments at the “highest level” would lead to governance changes in the Union Territory. Addressing concerns, he warned officials against exploiting the current “hybrid governance model,” promising strict oversight. Abdullah also submitted a cabinet resolution urging the central government to expedite the statehood restoration. This move highlights efforts to reshape J&K's political landscape and fulfill long-standing demands for statehood.

Opposition parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), allege that the Tata-Airbus C295 aircraft facility, initially intended for Maharashtra, was relocated to Gujarat for political reasons. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called it a betrayal of Maharashtra's interests, while Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi claimed the move denies Maharashtra job opportunities and investment. The BJP countered, with IT cell head Amit Malviya accusing the former Maharashtra government (MVA) of delaying project agreements, thus missing out. Malviya also cited a white paper by Maharashtra’s Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) showing no formal agreement was signed under the MVA administration.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva was hospitalized following severe itching and breathing issues after a protest dip in the polluted Yamuna River, criticizing the AAP government’s unmet promise to clean the river by 2025. Sachdeva, seeking “forgiveness” for alleged corruption in river-cleaning funds, challenged CM Arvind Kejriwal to take a similar dip. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused BJP-ruled states of polluting the river with untreated wastewater. With toxic froth covering the Yamuna, health risks rise as the Chhath Puja festival nears, during which devotees traditionally take a dip, raising concerns about public safety amid high pollution.

The final New York Times/Siena College poll reports Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are tied at 48% each among likely voters, a change from early October when Harris had a narrow 49% to 46% lead. The race remains extremely close, especially in seven swing states, where the margins between the candidates are similarly tight. The poll highlights a gender divide, with Harris leading among women (54% to 42%) and Trump leading among men (55% to 41%). With Election Day approaching on November 5, the outcome may depend heavily on swing state results.

The Election Commission of India has appointed former cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the brand ambassador for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar confirmed that Dhoni has granted permission for his image to be used in election promotions. Dhoni's role will focus on mobilizing voters and increasing awareness about the electoral process, especially targeting younger audiences. This initiative aims to boost voter turnout and engagement in Jharkhand, leveraging Dhoni's popularity in the state and his influence among the youth to encourage active participation in the elections.

Milind Deora, who recently joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena after leaving Congress, is likely to contest against Aaditya Thackeray from Mumbai’s Worli constituency in next month’s Assembly polls, as reported by sources. Aaditya, the son of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, currently holds the Worli seat, having won in 2019. The Shinde-led faction is reportedly finalizing their candidate to run against him in this significant electoral battle, which could see Deora directly competing with Aaditya in a high-stakes Mumbai contest.

Zeeshan Siddique, son of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, who was shot dead earlier this month, joined the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday morning. This decision comes ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Siddique had been expelled from the Congress party in August due to allegations of cross-voting during legislative council polls. He is set to contest the Vandre (East) seat, which he won in 2019, against Varun Sardesai, the nephew of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Sardesai represents a Shiv Sena faction that is allied with Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

The Centre is likely to initiate the process of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, over five years after the region's statehood and special status were revoked, sources said. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, where the issue was discussed. The meeting lasted 30 minutes and was described as cordial. During the discussion, Mr. Shah assured the Centre's full support to the newly elected government in Jammu and Kashmir and confirmed that the process of restoring statehood would soon begin. This move is seen as a significant step toward political restoration in the region.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, contesting the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, declared assets worth over Rs 12 crore in her affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India. Her husband, Robert Vadra, declared assets amounting to nearly Rs 65 crore. Together, the couple’s net worth is Rs 78 crore, with combined liabilities exceeding Rs 10 crore. Priyanka’s income sources include rent, bank interest, and investments. Robert’s income comes from business and similar channels. Priyanka expressed her gratitude to Wayanad residents for their support as she campaigns for herself for the first time.