Congress MP Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre's plan to replace MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Bill 2025, calling it a direct insult to Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. Gandhi alleged PM Modi harbors deep dislike for Gandhi's ideas and poor people's rights. He described MGNREGA as the living embodiment of Gandhi's Gram Swaraj vision and a lifeline for millions during COVID-19. Gandhi criticized the proposed 60:40 Centre-State funding split, claiming it would centralize control and burden states with 40% costs. The new bill promises 125 days of employment versus the current 100 days. Gandhi vowed Opposition protests "from roads to Parliament" against this "anti-people bill" that threatens rural livelihoods.

The Congress on Tuesday claimed the National Herald case was part of a political conspiracy after the matter was dismissed. Addressing a press conference, senior leader Pawan Khera said the case was used to target Rahul Gandhi and break his morale. He said the conspiracy was not only against the Congress MP but also against the people of India. Khera accused the ruling establishment of misusing agencies to silence the opposition. He said the dismissal of the case exposed the truth. The Congress said it will continue to raise issues of democracy, justice and accountability. (PC: India Today)

A Delhi court has given major relief to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The court refused to take note of the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate. It said the ED complaint under the PMLA was not valid. The judge ruled that the case was based on a private complaint, not an FIR. Because of this, the case could not continue. Others named in the case included Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. The ED is likely to challenge the order after studying the full judgment. Congress leaders called the case baseless. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission has released the draft voter list for West Bengal after a month-long Special Intensive Revision. The exercise reviewed entries across the state. Around 58 lakh names are likely removed from the rolls. Officials said over 58.17 lakh forms were uncollected. These include voters who were absent, dead, or listed more than once. The draft list ends the first phase of the revision. The next stage will allow claims and objections. Hearings will follow across districts. This process will continue till February 2026, officials said. The commission said transparency and accuracy remain key goals of the exercise nationwide. (PC: India Today)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sparked controversy after a video showed him pulling down a woman’s hijab at an official event in Patna. The incident took place while he was handing appointment letters to AYUSH doctors at the state secretariat. The woman, identified as Nusrat Parveen, was wearing a hijab when she approached the stage. The video went viral on social media and drew sharp criticism from Opposition parties. Congress and RJD called the act “despicable” and demanded Kumar’s resignation. Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi described it as public harassment. The event was attended by senior ministers and deputy chief ministers.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Centre’s plan to rename and replace MGNREGA. He called the move unfortunate and said Mahatma Gandhi’s name is central to the scheme’s purpose. Tharoor said Gandhi stood for the rural poor and believed in dignity of work. He argued that removing Gandhi’s name ignores the moral base of the programme. Tharoor also warned against creating divisions where none exist. His remarks come as the government plans a new rural jobs law under the Viksit Bharat vision. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from Congress and other parties. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met poll strategist Prashant Kishor in Delhi last week, sources said. The meeting followed poor results for both sides in the Bihar election. It took place at Sonia Gandhi’s residence. The report triggered fresh talk of possible cooperation. Asked about it, Priyanka Gandhi said her meetings were not important. Kishor denied that any meeting happened. Both sides stayed cautious. They have worked together earlier with mixed results. Kishor later formed Jan Suraaj, which failed to win seats in Bihar. Sources say defeats may reopen talks ahead of future state and national elections in India today.

The Centre has introduced a Bill in Parliament to replace MGNREGA with a new scheme called G Ram G. The government said the move fits the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision and raises guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days. Congress strongly opposed the change. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked, “Why are they removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name?” She said public money would be wasted on renaming. Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan said, “First Nehru, then Indira, now they have a problem with Bapu.” The Opposition said the focus should be on timely payments, not name changes. (PC: NDTV)

  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologised to Lionel Messi and his fans after chaos erupted at Salt Lake Stadium. Fans, unable to see Messi during his brief appearance, vandalised stadium property and broke security protocols. Banerjee said she was shocked by the mismanagement and ordered an inquiry committee led by a retired judge to investigate and fix responsibility. Many spectators paid high ticket prices but could not meet the football star. The BJP criticised the Trinamool Congress, calling it a “huge disgrace” and demanding the resignation of the state sports minister. The event ended prematurely amid disorder.

Kolkata stadium descended into chaos during Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour visit on Saturday. Messi left after just 10 minutes due to mismanagement, leaving fans who paid high ticket prices disappointed. Spectators vandalised stadium property in protest. BJP blamed the Trinamool Congress for the disorder, calling it an insult to Bengal and demanding resignations and refunds. TMC said the event was organised by a private company and apologised for the incident. Videos of the unrest circulated online. The visit, including the unveiling of a 70-foot Messi statue, ended prematurely, cutting short planned engagements with Mamata Banerjee and other dignitaries. (PC: India Today)