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)

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar announced that the Bihar Assembly elections will be held before November 22, when the current term ends. Speaking in Patna, he said new steps have been taken to improve the voting process, including faster voter ID delivery within 15 days and mobile deposit facilities at polling booths. The CEC said the voters’ list was “purified” after 22 years through a Special Intensive Revision. He urged people to vote with the same enthusiasm as Chhath Puja. The Election Commission will soon decide on the number of phases for the polls. (PC: The Telegraph )

Over 1.3 lakh voters in Bihar have reportedly been removed from the electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections, sparking controversy and concerns over possible disenfranchisement. (indianexpress.com) The deletions were reportedly due to discrepancies in voter identification documents, including missing or mismatched personal details. Political parties and civil society groups have raised alarms that eligible voters may be unfairly excluded, potentially affecting election outcomes. Election authorities claim the process follows legal procedures for maintaining accurate voter lists, while affected citizens are seeking remedies to ensure their right to vote is protected.  

Actor-politician Vijay released his first video message after the Karur stampede that killed 41 people during his rally. He expressed sorrow and defended his supporters. Vijay said he had asked police to ensure safety but “what should not have happened, happened.” He rejected claims of negligence and urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin not to punish his party workers. “If you want revenge, do anything to me,” he said. Vijay also hinted at a political conspiracy, asking why it happened only in Karur. He promised to continue his political journey with more strength. (PC: India Today)