Following the derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Uttar Pradesh, opposition parties have criticized the Modi government for rail safety failures. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanded the swift installation of the Kavach anti-collision system across all rail routes. Citing previous accidents, Kharge accused the government of negligence. Trinamool Congress's Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav also called for accountability and improved passenger safety. CPI General Secretary D. Raja highlighted poor track maintenance and staff shortages, urging the government to address these issues urgently.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailment, attributing it to systemic failures in Indian Railways. Two fatalities and over 20 injuries were reported as eight coaches derailed near UP's Gonda. Kharge called for urgent installation of the Kavach anti-collision system nationwide. Rescue operations by NDRF teams are ongoing, with senior officials onsite. Kharge's remarks underscore growing concerns over rail safety following recent accidents under the Modi government.

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, describing him as significantly matured in politics. In an interview with PTI, Sen recalled knowing Rahul as an articulate student at Cambridge, uncertain about his future. Sen highlighted Rahul's evolution, especially through the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra,' and noted his improved articulation in political matters. He emphasized Rahul's crucial role as the Leader of the Opposition, particularly in addressing inequality and sectarianism in India. Sen concluded that Rahul's leadership will be tested in how effectively he navigates these issues during the Modi-led NDA government.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya responded to Akhilesh Yadav's claims of infighting within the BJP affecting Uttar Pradesh's administration. Yadav had accused the BJP of internal strife and poor governance. Maurya refuted these claims, asserting that the BJP has a strong organization and government both in the state and at the Centre. He dismissed Yadav's remarks, promising a BJP victory in the 2027 assembly elections. Maurya also labeled the Samajwadi Party’s PDA initiative as a “fraud” and assured that BJP’s administration remains stable and effective.

BRS leader K Kavitha, jailed in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, was rushed to Delhi's DDU Hospital on Tuesday evening. Kavitha, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 15 and later by the CBI, is accused of being part of a group that gave ₹100 crore in kickbacks for a favorable liquor policy. The reason for her hospital visit is not yet clear. Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has been in judicial custody and has sought bail, claiming the charges against her are incomplete.

In a shocking incident, Mukesh Sahani's father, Jitan Sahani, was found murdered in his Darbhanga residence. The VIP chief's father was killed in a gruesome manner, with his body recovered in a mutilated condition. The Darbhanga SP, Jagunath Reddy, confirmed the incident. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case, comprising the SDPO and SHO. The motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained. The incident has sent shockwaves in the political circles, with many leaders condoling the demise of Jitan Sahani.

In a shocking incident, Jitan Sahani, father of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, was found murdered in his Darbhanga residence. The body was recovered in a mutilated condition. Darbhanga SP Jagunath Reddy confirmed the incident. An SIT has been formed to investigate the case, comprising the SDPO and SHO. Mukesh Sahani, who was in Mumbai, has rushed back to Darbhanga upon learning of his father's demise. The motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained. The incident has sent shockwaves in the political circles of Bihar.

The BJP's strength in the Rajya Sabha decreased to 86 after four members—Sonal Mansingh, Mahesh Jethmalani, Rakesh Sinha, and Ram Shakal—completed their terms on July 13. Consequently, the NDA's tally stands at 101, falling short of the 113 majority mark in the 245-member House. The BJP expects to secure additional seats in upcoming elections in states like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Assam. Despite the vacancies, the party remains confident about winning new seats and maintaining its influence in the upper house.

BJP's strength in Rajya Sabha drops by four as nominated members Rakesh Sinha, Ram Shakal, Sonal Mansingh, and Mahesh Jethmalani complete their term. Their retirement brings BJP's strength to 86 and NDA's to 101, below the majority mark of 113. The current strength of the House is 225, with Congress-led INDIA bloc having 87 members. The development may impact the ruling party's ability to pass legislation without alliances. The opposition's strength remains significant, with Congress, Trinamool, AAP, and DMK holding key seats. [Photo Courtesy: The Tatva]

In a significant blow to the BJP, the Opposition INDIA alliance has won 10 out of 13 Assembly seats across seven states in the recent by-elections. The Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, DMK, and Congress party secured victories in their respective states, while the BJP managed only two wins. This outcome marks a shift in India's political landscape, with regional parties and alliances gaining ground against national parties. The results may impact future electoral strategies and signal challenges ahead for the BJP in state-level contests. The by-elections were seen as a key test of strength after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.