Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, intensifying the ongoing political confrontation over the Election Commission’s functioning. The notice, backed by dozens of MPs, follows earlier attempts that were rejected by parliamentary authorities. Leaders allege “partisan conduct” and lack of neutrality, particularly during recent electoral processes, and aim to gather wider parliamentary support. The move marks a renewed push by the opposition to challenge the credibility of the poll body, potentially triggering a complex constitutional process and further deepening tensions between the government and opposition parties. (PC: The Hindu)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her attack on the BJP during the 2026 Assembly elections, declaring she will shift focus to Delhi after winning Bengal. Speaking at a Kolkata rally, she vowed to “dismantle” the BJP at the Centre by uniting opposition parties nationwide. Banerjee clarified she is not seeking power but aims to remove the BJP government. Her remarks triggered sharp reactions from BJP leaders, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissing the claim. The statement signals an aggressive national ambition amid a high-stakes Bengal election battle. (PC: NDTV)

In a major political development, Raghav Chadha resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with several Rajya Sabha MPs, including Ashok Mittal. The move follows a deepening rift with party leadership, particularly Arvind Kejriwal. Reports suggest over two-thirds of AAP’s Upper House MPs backed the shift, citing internal conflicts and ideological differences. AAP has termed the move a “betrayal” and accused BJP of destabilising the party, while BJP welcomed the leaders. The defection marks a significant setback for AAP and reshapes parliamentary dynamics. (PC: India Today)

In a major political development, Raghav Chadha has quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and announced his move to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with a significant group of MPs. Reports suggest nearly two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members are backing the shift, including Swati Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh. Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP faces a major setback as the move signals internal rifts and could weaken its strength in Parliament, while giving BJP a strategic boost. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) during a Bengal election rally, invoking the RG Kar rape-murder case. Sharing the stage with the victim’s mother—now a BJP candidate—Modi accused the state government of failing to protect women and suppressing justice. He said the mother “lost her daughter to TMC’s jungle raj,” highlighting the case as a symbol of law-and-order concerns. The 2024 murder of a trainee doctor had sparked nationwide outrage. The issue has now become a major political flashpoint, with BJP leveraging it to target TMC ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections. (PC: India Today)

A major political upheaval has unfolded after Raghav Chadha quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with several MPs. The move triggered a sharp reaction from Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the BJP of “betraying Punjabis” and attempting to weaken AAP’s stronghold in Punjab. The defection is seen as one of the biggest setbacks for AAP, exposing internal rifts and ideological differences. BJP, however, dismissed allegations of political manipulation. The development signals shifting alliances and intensifying rivalry ahead of upcoming elections, raising concerns over AAP’s stability and its influence in Punjab politics. 

Raghav Chadha said he will leave the Aam Aadmi Party and join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking at a press conference, Chadha said that seven other Rajya Sabha MPs will also move with him. Among them is Harbhajan Singh. Chadha called the move a “new political step” and said it was taken after careful thought. The shift is seen as a major blow to AAP in Parliament. The party has not yet given an official response. The development may change the numbers in the Rajya Sabha and affect future debates and voting. (PC: X)

Raghav Chadha on Friday said he and two other Rajya Sabha MPs have quit the Aam Aadmi Party and will join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking at a press conference with Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, Chadha said, “We… merge ourselves with the BJP.” He claimed more MPs, including Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal, will also join. If confirmed, the move could bypass anti-defection rules. The development comes as AAP prepares for key elections in Punjab, where it is currently in power.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will shift focus to Delhi after the state elections. Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, she said she aims to unite opposition parties to “dismantle” the BJP at the Centre. “I will take over Delhi once I have secured victory in Bengal,” she said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the remark. “There is nothing left here. How will she come to Delhi?” he said. The comments come as voting continues in West Bengal, which recorded high turnout in the first phase. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attacked the Trinamool Congress during a rally in Dum Dum. He said those involved in alleged violence “will have no place to hide” after May 4. He linked the record voter turnout to what he called the end of “jungle raj” in West Bengal. “The files will be opened — this is Modi’s guarantee,” he said. Modi said the high turnout shows public support for change. The first phase of polling recorded around 92.8% turnout across 152 seats. (PC: India Today)