Union Minister Jitendra Singh has accused Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activists of receiving money from foreign sources, including Pakistani politicians. Speaking in Bengaluru, he named Abhijeet Dipke and Ashutosh Ranka. Singh alleged that Dipke received funds from US-based donors, while Ranka was paid by Pakistani politicians. "There is enough evidence to show that they are being funded by unauthorised sources," he said. The CJP rejected the allegations and criticised the minister. In a post on X, it said, "A Union Minister can say anything and get away with it." Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge also demanded evidence for similar BJP claims against Congress.  

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is set to enter the Rajya Sabha unopposed from Madhya Pradesh after the nomination papers of 2 independent candidates were rejected on Tuesday. The candidates included Congress-backed Rajkumar Lohani and Kante Sayanna. Both had also raised objections to Puri's nomination, claiming his Form 26 affidavit was incomplete and invalid. However, Returning Officer Umesh Sharma cleared Puri's papers, finding no violation of the Representation of the People Act. Congress leaders Hemant Katare and Atif Aqeel said they would challenge the decision in court. The result is expected on November 5. (PC: India Today)

A political controversy has erupted after an old video of AISA president Neha Bora surfaced, in which she alleged that priests commit sexual assaults inside temples. The BJP accused her of displaying an anti-Hindu mindset and linked her remarks to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. BJP leaders Gaurav Bhatia and Pradeep Bhandari criticised her statements. However, Congress allies Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi and Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai also condemned her generalisations. Chaturvedi called the remarks unfortunate, while Rai said such statements were inappropriate. A lawyer has also filed a police complaint seeking action against Bora. (PC: HT)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday renewed his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an open debate, saying 24 hours had passed since his initial call. Gandhi invited Modi to choose any venue and suggested the discussion be held before the media and young people. He raised questions about foreign influence, India's financial system, the US deal and the Adani case. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, meanwhile, said the government was ready to discuss all issues, including EVMs, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and infiltration, in a special Parliament session. He challenged Gandhi to participate in the debate.

The Samajwadi Party has distanced itself from left-wing student leader Neha Bora’s remarks calling for freedom from “Brahmanvaad” amid her criticism of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Responding to Bora’s statement, Samajwadi Party leader Rajeev Rai said making such sweeping generalisations was inappropriate, adding that every religion had both good and bad people. He urged people to avoid generalisations. Rai also accused the BJP of pursuing a strategy of dividing people and questioned why the opposition should fall into what he described as the party’s trap. The remarks followed Bora’s criticism of the election authorities. (PC: Times Now)

A political row has erupted over remarks by All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora about women's safety, the Brahmanical system and temple priests. In a video, Bora alleged that women, including Brahmin women, face sexual violence and referred to cases involving priests inside temples. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari attacked her remarks, calling her the "poster girl of Rahul Gandhi" and accusing Congress of targeting Hindu beliefs. He also linked her comments to an earlier statement by Rahul Gandhi about women's safety in temples. The BJP accused Congress of promoting an anti-Hindu agenda, drawing further political criticism. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate over allegations of foreign support, accusing him of relying on overseas backing to become and remain in power. In a post on X, Gandhi claimed that India's financial system was supported by foreign interests and that foreign social media platforms backed Modi. He said the Prime Minister could choose any platform and time for the debate. His challenge came after Modi accused opposition forces of trying to destabilise the country, spreading rumours and maintaining links with anti-India elements abroad during his address in Gujarat. (PC: India Today)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a setback in Punjab as 3 of its leaders joined the BJP in New Delhi on Monday, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The leaders include sitting MLAs Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra from Sanaur and Chetan Singh Jouramajra from Samana, along with suspended MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh. Their move came after they resigned from AAP over the past 2 days. The leaders had criticised the Bhagwant Mann government over issues including drug abuse, corruption and governance. The defections come as AAP prepares for a crucial electoral battle in Punjab next year.

The BJP has criticised the INDIA bloc's rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, calling it a "super flop". The party claimed that around 40% of the venue was empty during Rahul Gandhi's speech on Sunday. BJP MP Sambit Patra said 5,000 to 7,000 chairs were vacant at the event. The BJP also questioned Congress's earlier claim that 10 lakh people would attend. The rally was organised to protest alleged electoral irregularities and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Several opposition leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, attended the event.  

The Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir is facing an internal crisis. Around 25 National Conference (NC) MLAs have reportedly issued a 14-day ultimatum to the party leadership. They have threatened to withdraw their support if their demands are not met. The legislators want all ministers removed and a new council formed through a fair selection process. They have also demanded stronger action for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A. The crisis has deepened as Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has announced plans to resign from the party and Lok Sabha seat on November 3.