Speaking at the stone-laying ceremony of Shri Kalki Dhaam at UP's Sambhal district, PM Modi said: "...the times have changed in such a way that if in today's era, Sudama would give rice to Shri Krishna and the video would come out, a PIL would be filed in the Supreme Court and the judgment would come that something was given to Lord Krishna in corruption and Lord Krishna was doing corruption." His remarks followed the recent Supreme Court verdict declaring the electoral bond scheme "unconstitutional." Last week's ruling, issued by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud's bench, mandates the State Bank of India (SBI) to disclose transaction details, marking a significant setback for the BJP, the primary beneficiary of the scheme.   

The Supreme Court is set to review the ballot papers and video recording of the Chandigarh mayoral election today, following controversy over the victory of BJP's Manoj Sonkar, who won with 16 votes against the AAP-Congress alliance candidate's 12. Concerns arose when eight votes were deemed invalid, prompting accusations of ballot tampering against the BJP-appointed returning officer, Anil Masih. A viral video showed Masih marking ballots cast for AAP councilors. The court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, expressed deep concern over the situation, contemplating the declaration of results based on existing votes rather than ordering immediate fresh polls.

The Supreme Court ordered the production of ballot papers and the counting video from the Chandigarh mayoral polls by 2 pm on Tuesday, rebuking the Returning Officer for alleged malpractice. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud's bench demanded the appointment of a new non-political Returning Officer. The court expressed concern over "horse-trading" in the assembly and emphasized the need to halt such practices. BJP's victory prompted the AAP to seek fresh polls, citing fraud allegations against Returning Officer Anil Masih. A viral video showed Masih marking ballot papers while glancing at CCTV, raising fairness doubts. Masih's explanation failed to satisfy the court, prompting calls for his prosecution. "He has to be prosecuted. In an electoral democracy, this cannot be allowed," remarked the bench.          

Protesting farmers have rebuffed the central government's latest plan for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, deeming it unfavorable. Discontent with the proposal, they announced the resumption of their 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 21. Demand for MSP coverage extends beyond pulses, maize, and cotton crops to include all 23 crops. Talks between farmers and the government concluded without resolution, prompting the decision to proceed with the march. Farmer leaders assert the need for clarity and urge the government to address their concerns or permit peaceful protests in Delhi. No immediate meetings with the government are scheduled, but farmers remain open to dialogue.          

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu on Tuesday to dedicate projects worth ₹32,000 crore to the nation, marking his second trip to Jammu and Kashmir during his second term. Ahead of the April-May Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi highlighted the significance of these projects for the region's all-round development. The projects include the inauguration of permanent campuses for various educational institutions, distribution of government job appointment letters, and interaction with beneficiaries of government schemes. This visit underscores the government's commitment to bolstering infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in the region, especially following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Women in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, protesting alleged sexual assault by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and supporters, claim it's unsafe to live there despite arrests. Accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of neglect, they express disappointment over her not meeting them. One woman emphasizes, "It is becoming very risky to live here...Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra have been arrested but they have not been punished yet." BJP criticizes TMC, asserting women's safety concerns. BJP MP Locket Chatterjee accuses police of siding with TMC and challenges Mamata's silence. The Supreme Court dismisses PIL for CBI probe, deferring to Calcutta High Court's cognizance. Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting peace in Sandeshkhali, vowing action against wrongs.

A circular from Maharashtra's school education department, urging students to take selfies with their parents alongside a letter from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has ignited criticism from parents and teachers, questioning its timing ahead of elections. Parent activist Nitin Dalvi expressed concern, stating, "The government is bringing politics into schools by asking children to engage in such activities." Dalvi highlighted the issue of timing amidst exam preparations, questioning the necessity of non-academic engagements. Despite claims of non-mandatory participation, Dalvi emphasized the pressure on schools to exhibit high involvement. The initiative, running from February 17 to 25, 2024, includes online pledges to foster reading habits.

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged sexual assault cases in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali. Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih cited the Calcutta High Court's suo moto cognizance of the issue, stating, "This cannot be a dual forum hearing." Lawyer Alakh Alok Srivastava, who filed the PIL, was directed to approach the High Court. Sandeshkhali, roiled by protests over allegations of sexual abuse and land grab by local TMC leader Shah Jahan Sheikh and supporters, remains tense as the NCW visits the area amidst demands for accountability.          

The ongoing Farmers' Protest 2.0 in Punjab differs from its 2020-21 counterpart, lacking strength and unity, with major unions distancing themselves. Identity politics surfaces as only two prominent unions lead, causing intensity and support issues. The political fallout is evident, affecting SAD's alliance plans with BJP, while AAP and Congress compete to appease farmers. The BJP's rural push faces setbacks due to the agitation, prompting damage control efforts, including bilateral talks to address farmers' concerns. Political analysts observe the potential impact on BJP's rural strategy based on successful farmer union appeasement.

Rahul Gandhi, pausing his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Varanasi, visited Wayanad to console families affected by recent elephant attacks. The Wayanad MP, accompanied by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and MLAs T. Siddique and I.C. Balakrishnan, met the relatives of victims Aji, Paul, and Prajeesh. The sudden visit followed protests in his Kerala constituency. Gandhi is set to attend an assessment meeting with district officials in Kalpetta before resuming his yatra from Prayagraj. The move highlights the Congress leader's concern for local issues amidst his national outreach.