The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Assam. The exercise aims to update voter lists ahead of the 2027 elections, with January 1, 2027, set as the qualifying date. Draft electoral rolls will be published on November 12, while voters can submit claims and objections until December 11. The final voter lists are scheduled for January 4, 2027. The SSR is separate from the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which involves preparing electoral rolls afresh. (PC: HT)

Bollywood actor Imran Khan is set to challenge the Foreigners Regional Registration Office’s (FRRO) order directing him to leave India by October 28, 2026. His legal team, led by advocate Zulfiqar Memon, will approach the Bombay High Court, contesting the notice issued after Khan participated in an October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai. Khan, an American citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, was detained during the demonstration and later released. The action followed a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya alleging violations of immigration rules. (PC: X)

Delhi Police is preparing a massive security operation ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed Tiranga March at Connaught Place on October 16. More than 6,000 police personnel, additional paramilitary forces, barricades and CCTV cameras are being deployed, with 30,000–50,000 participants expected. CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke announced the march following the arrest of party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Police said the gathering lacked permission, citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS. Central Park will remain closed on October 16 and 17 amid concerns over public safety and traffic disruption. (PC: AFP)

Delhi Police on Thursday urged citizens not to attend the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed gathering at Central Park, Connaught Place, on October 16, citing law-and-order concerns. DCP Neha Yadav said CJP had appealed to the public to assemble at 5 pm carrying Tricolour flags, while some political groups had also extended support. The New Delhi Municipal Council informed police that Central Park would remain closed on October 16 and 17. Yadav said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were already in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas to maintain peace, protect lives and safeguard public and private property.

The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi and his political ecosystem of pursuing regime change and attempting to create Bangladesh-like anarchy, citing remarks by AISA president Neha Bora and lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Bora, a prominent student face during recent protests over alleged Special Intensive Revision (SIR) irregularities, credited Bangladesh’s 2024 Gen Z uprising with “showing us the way”. A day later, Bhushan openly advocated “regime change” during a joint press conference with Bora and Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke. The remarks have provided the BJP fresh grounds to target Rahul, whose street protests over alleged SIR irregularities have been attended by Bora and Bhushan. Bora has also regularly attended INDIA bloc meetings. (PC: X)

Kolkata’s Chingrighata flyover has come under scrutiny after motorcycles reportedly skidded on its freshly painted, rain-soaked surface ahead of Durga Puja. A viral dashcam video showing riders losing control raised serious road-safety concerns and triggered a political dispute between the BJP-led West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul ordered an investigation, maintaining that anti-skid paint was used and the beautification project was funded through corporate social responsibility (CSR). Authorities installed reflective road studs and undertook corrective work. The TMC questioned the painting decision and demanded accountability over the safety risks and removal costs. 

The Delhi High Court on October 15, 2026, refused to stop the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, from holding a protest at Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16. The court recorded Delhi Police’s assurance that all necessary legal measures would be taken to regulate the gathering. The protest aims to oppose the alleged electoral irregularities and the police crackdown on demonstrators demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The case arose from concerns raised by a licensed street vendor about potential business losses and traffic disruptions during the festive season. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai Police have directed Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American national and nephew of actor Aamir Khan, to leave India by October 28, 2026. The notice, issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), alleges violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The action follows Khan’s participation in an October 10 protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Khan was briefly detained during the demonstration. His legal team is preparing to challenge the order before the Bombay High Court, arguing that his participation in the protest should not warrant his removal from India. (PC: The Hindu)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting protesters and Opposition leaders to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking at a press conference with Neha Bora and actor Prakash Raj, Dipke said demonstrators were being dragged from streets for demanding Kumar’s resignation. He also questioned the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that 13 crore voters’ names had been deleted. These figures remain Dipke’s claims. His remarks came after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to Tihar Jail in judicial custody. (PC: India Today)

Actor Imran Khan will approach the Bombay High Court to challenge a notice directing him to leave India by October 28. His lawyers said they would seek an urgent hearing, arguing that he had not violated any conditions. The notice was issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Mumbai under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The action followed Khan’s participation in an October 10 protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, which demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, was briefly detained during the demonstration.  (PC: NDTV)