The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court order that imposed a complete ban on cow slaughter in the state. The government said the High Court's directions went beyond the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958. It argued that the law already allows cow slaughter in limited cases with official approval. The High Court had directed officials to stop the slaughter of cows and calves on Bakrid and all other days. The order was passed on a petition alleging illegal cow slaughter. The Supreme Court will now hear the state's challenge to the High Court ruling.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a major internal crisis after a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee announced a new national working committee, removing Mamata Banerjee as party chairperson and Abhishek Banerjee as national general secretary. The rebels claimed the previous committee had expired under the party constitution and required reconstitution. However, the Mamata camp rejected the move as illegal, saying expelled leaders have no authority to change the party structure. TMC leaders accused the rebels of acting against the party's interests and indicated legal action could follow as the battle for organisational control intensifies. (PC: India Today)

A political battle has begun within the Trinamool Congress as rival factions led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee seek recognition as the party's legitimate leadership. Both groups have submitted separate lists of office-bearers to the Election Commission, triggering the process to determine control of the party name and its iconic twin-flower symbol. The Commission is expected to apply its "two-wing test", examining support within both the legislative and organisational wings of the party. The decision could have major implications for TMC’s future, assets, electoral identity and upcoming local body elections. (PC: HT)

Six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday, delivering a major political setback to the former Maharashtra chief minister. The MPs joined Shinde's camp in Mumbai after days of speculation over their future.   Welcoming the leaders, Shinde described the move as the success of "Operation Tiger" and said the MPs had joined the "real Shiv Sena". The development strengthens the Shinde faction's position in Parliament and marks another significant shift in Maharashtra politics. Uddhav Thackeray's camp has criticised the defections and called meetings to discuss its response. (PC: India Today)

The rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, has elected senior MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson at a special session in Kolkata. Former minister Aroop Biswas and MLAs Firhad Hakim, Rathin Ghosh and Sabina Yasmin were named vice-chairpersons.   The faction also formed a new national working committee and announced several office-bearers, claiming a “constitutional crisis” within the party. Ritabrata Banerjee said the group would inform the Election Commission about the meeting’s decisions and added that former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would be welcome to join the new structure as its chief advisor.   The development comes amid an ongoing split in the TMC following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. (PC: HT)

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress led by Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday announced the removal of party founder Mamata Banerjee as chief during a meeting in Kolkata. The group, which included several MLAs, councillors and former party leaders, formed a 10-member national working committee and adopted a resolution to reorganise the party. Former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim and other senior leaders were reportedly present at the meeting. The rebels said they represent the real Trinamool Congress and rejected suggestions of a split. The development marks a major escalation in the ongoing political turmoil within the party. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Tamil Nadu government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has cancelled 46 projects worth ₹245.85 crore that were approved during the previous DMK administration. The projects included 29 marriage halls and 17 commercial complexes planned using temple funds across the state. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department said court stay orders and financial pressure on Tamil Nadu's temples were key reasons for the decision. None of the projects had started construction. The government said the funds will now be used for schemes that directly benefit temples and devotees in Tamil Nadu.

20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs are preparing to file a defamation case against party leader Mahua Moitra over her bribery allegations. Moitra claimed that MPs who left the party received large sums of money to switch sides. The rebel MPs have denied the charge and decided to take legal action. The dispute comes after 20 of TMC's 28 Lok Sabha MPs broke away and announced support for the BJP-led NDA. The group has joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). The split has deepened the political crisis within the Trinamool Congress. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said West Bengal has been “freed from its shackles” as he visited the state for the first time since the BJP-NDA's historic election victory. Speaking at Paschim Banga Diwas celebrations in Tarakeswar, Modi said a new chapter of development and progress had begun in Bengal.   He highlighted key welfare and infrastructure initiatives, including the release of the PM-KISAN installment, the launch of PMFBY in the state, and several development projects. Modi also promised better governance, accountability, and an end to the “cut money” culture, while pledging to restore Bengal’s growth and prosperity.  

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that several of its bank accounts were frozen during an investigation into ₹440 crore linked to rebel party MLAs. The party claimed the action has disrupted its financial operations and accused authorities of targeting it ahead of key political developments. Investigators are examining the flow of funds and possible financial irregularities involving legislators who had distanced themselves from the party. TMC leaders denied any wrongdoing and demanded that the accounts be restored. The probe continues, with officials yet to release detailed findings on the alleged fund transactions.