West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced criticism after commenting on the alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur. She said, “How did she come out at 12:30 AM?” and suggested colleges should restrict women from going out at night. The incident involved a second-year student from Odisha, who was reportedly attacked while stepping out with a classmate. Three accused have been arrested, and the survivor is in stable condition. Mamata added that rape cases must be condemned everywhere. Opposition leaders called her remarks insensitive, accusing her of shifting blame onto the victim instead of focusing on the perpetrators. (PC: News18)

The NDA has finalised its seat-sharing plan for the Bihar Assembly elections. The BJP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU will contest 101 seats each out of 243. Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will get 29 seats after long talks. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha will get six seats each. Paswan had demanded up to 45 seats but settled after meetings with BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, his party had won all five seats it contested, strengthening its bargaining power. (PC: NDTV)

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] will contest 101 seats each, while smaller allies — LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and Rashtriya Lok Manch — will share the remaining 41 seats. JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha stated that the discussions were held amicably, reflecting the alliance’s unity. The NDA aims to consolidate its position and return Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to power with a strong electoral mandate.    

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Delhi that the Muslim population in India has increased because of “infiltration from Pakistan and Bangladesh.” Speaking at an event, he added that voting rights in the country “should only be available to citizens.” Shah claimed, “The Muslim population has increased by 24.6%, whereas the Hindu population has decreased by 4.5%. It hasn't happened because of fertility rate, it has happened because of infiltration.” He further said that Hindus who decreased in Pakistan and Bangladesh came to India as refugees, while “many Muslims infiltrated into the country.” (PC: HT)

After suffering a major blow from India’s Operation Sindoor, Jaish-E-Mohammed (JeM) has announced its first women’s wing, named Jamaat-Ul-Mominaat. The unit will be led by Sadiya Azhar, sister of JeM chief Masood Azhar. Recruitment started on October 8 in Bahawalpur and targets wives of members and economically weaker women at JeM centres in Pakistan. The women’s unit will focus on propaganda, recruitment, and psychological warfare, using social media and WhatsApp. Sources say this marks a shift for JeM, which previously barred women from combat roles. The unit is active online in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of South India. (PC: HT)

Actor-politician Vijay has personally reached out to families affected by the Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu, which killed 41 people and injured over 100 during his rally on September 27. Sources said Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), spoke to 4–5 families, including women and children, via video calls lasting about 20 minutes each. He expressed deep sympathy and assured them of his support, saying, "I am with you, I will stand by you." Vijay also promised to visit the families in person and provide assistance. The incident has caused political ripples ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. (PC: India Today)

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the lynching of a 38-year-old Dalit man, Hariom, in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. Villagers allegedly killed him over rumours that he was stealing using a drone. In a joint statement, the leaders called the act a “crime against the Constitution” and against the Dalit community. They expressed concern over rising crimes targeting Dalits, minorities, and the poor. Gandhi spoke to the victim’s family, while UP Congress chief Ajay Rai visited them. The leaders urged citizens to unite against injustice and protect the rights and dignity of every Indian. (PC: X)

The Election Commission of India announced that Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the 243-member Assembly’s term ends on November 22. Polling dates were set after the Chhath festival. Over 7.43 crore voters, including 14 lakh first-timers, will take part. The ruling NDA, led by Nitish Kumar, will face the Mahagathbandhan of RJD, Congress, and Left parties. Security forces will be deployed early. Voters’ photos on EVMs will appear in colour for the first time to ensure clarity and transparency. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission of India has announced that the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 will be held in two phases. The first phase will take place on November 6 for 121 seats, and the second phase on November 11 for 122 seats. The counting of votes will be held on November 14. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said nearly 7.4 crore voters will cast their votes across 90,712 polling stations. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced that it will contest all 243 seats. The Election Commission also confirmed that bye-elections will be held in seven other states.  (PC: X)

The Election Commission will announce the Bihar Assembly election schedule today at 4 pm. Officials said voting is likely to be held in multiple phases. The decision follows a two-day review of election preparedness in Patna by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and other officials. Political parties, including BJP, JD(U), RJD, and Congress, urged the Commission to hold polls after Chhath Puja to ensure higher voter turnout. Bihar has 7.42 crore registered voters. The NDA currently holds 131 seats in the 243-member Assembly, while the Mahagathbandhan has 111. Security, EVM management, and misinformation control were key review points. (PC: HT)