Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi backed actor Kriti Sanon after her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement drew social media criticism. Sharing Sanon’s response on Instagram Stories, Gandhi said what a woman wears, does and where she goes is her choice, urging people to stop trolling women for exercising their freedom. Sanon questioned why women’s respect for culture and traditions continues to be judged by their clothes, saying culture resides in the heart, not the neckline. The advertisement showed her tying a rakhi to her brother and later to their pet dog, prompting criticism. BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut also criticised Sanon’s look, calling it “intentionally creepy”.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has challenged the BJP to compare the condition of 1,000 government schools in AAP-ruled Punjab with an equal number in BJP-ruled Gujarat. He dared BJP leaders to visit the schools and assess infrastructure, education standards and facilities. Kejriwal said the comparison would expose the difference between the two governments’ approach to public education. The challenge comes amid an ongoing political battle between the AAP and BJP over governance and development. Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains also backed Kejriwal, saying the state government was ready for a transparent comparison. (PC: India Today)

BJP national spokesperson Ajay Alok has sparked a fresh row after saying the Modi government addressed upper-caste concerns by introducing the 10% EWS quota in 2019. His remarks came amid protests demanding reforms to caste-based reservation and the scrapping of the now-stayed UGC equity rules. Reservation reform activists hit back, accusing Alok of dismissing their right to question policies affecting them. The debate has intensified after activist Ajeet Bharti was booked under the SC/ST Act over alleged remarks against MP Chandrashekhar Azad, adding political heat to the reservation controversy. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs over a plea seeking their disqualification. The petition was filed by TMC general secretary and Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee, who challenged the delay in deciding the matter before Speaker Om Birla.   The 20 MPs were elected on TMC tickets but later broke away and aligned with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. TMC has sought their disqualification under the anti-defection law. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that Speaker Birla had already issued notices on the disqualification petitions. (PC: IndiaToday)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on Manusmriti, saying Gandhi “disparages India’s traditions and heritage.” Speaking in Raebareli, Yogi said the Leader of the Opposition should show greater accountability towards democracy and the country. He was responding to Gandhi’s comments in Pune, where the Congress leader criticised the “Manusmriti mindset” and urged women to challenge patriarchy. Gandhi said women belonged to themselves and should not remain under male authority. Yogi also accused him of repeatedly insulting India and questioning its institutions. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks about girls using abusive language during the Jantar Mantar protest. At his *Chhatron Ki Goonj* programme, Gandhi said boys face no such scrutiny while girls’ behaviour is seen as a “cultural shock”. Calling it a patriarchal and “Manusmriti mindset”, he said women should not be controlled or defined only by family relationships. Gandhi urged girl students to “smash the patriarchy”, be loud and fight for their space in society. He also raised concerns about violence, discrimination and unequal opportunities faced by women. (PC: India Today)

Ashutosh Ranka has raised concerns over the condition of the Rampura government school in Kanwarpura, Rajasthan, which has reportedly been operating from a buffalo shed for years. Ranka said he had visited the school a year earlier but found its condition largely unchanged. Referring to alleged violence during his latest visit, he asked, “Who in their right mind would choose violence over fixing school?” He demanded immediate repairs, safe classrooms and accountability for the poor infrastructure. The incident led to complaints from both sides, while authorities continue to investigate the alleged violence and other claims.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the BJP’s newly formed team at the party headquarters in Delhi on Saturday. BJP president Nitin Nabin welcomed him. The 65-member team was announced on August 17. It includes 51 new faces and several senior leaders. Earlier, Nabin asked the new office-bearers to focus on “Yuva Samvad” and engage more with young people. The BJP also passed a resolution on the history and importance of Vande Mataram. The party opposed the Congress decision to sing only its first two stanzas at party events. The BJP plans a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the National Song.

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday staged a dharna at Delhi’s Parliament Street police station, demanding an FIR over alleged excessive force used against students during the July 20 CJP-led protest. Gandhi accompanied student Sahil Lochab, who reportedly suffered pellet-gun injuries during the demonstration over NEET-related issues. After his complaint was not registered at Mandir Marg police station, Gandhi approached senior police officials and continued his protest. He demanded accountability for the alleged use of pellet guns and action against those responsible. Reports and medical records have documented multiple pellet-related injuries among protesters, while Delhi Police has disputed some allegations. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, bringing together key leaders from southern states. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu were among those present. The meeting was held at Taj Fisherman’s Cove in Kovalam, Chengalpet district. The council includes Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, along with Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. The council serves as a platform for the Centre, states and Union Territories to discuss regional issues. (PC: HT)