BJP approaches SC over post-poll violence in Bengal, demands CBI probe

Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut ignited a political row following his remarks at the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan, asserting that a revolution is underway and the country is heading towards regime change. Addressing the gathering, Raut stated that the turnout represents national strength rather than a single party, while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Meanwhile, the bulletin featured contrasting statements addressing the political climate and external influences, highlighting concerns over disruption disguised as opposition, alongside observations on global unrest and regime change narratives across nations.

An India Today news crew was assaulted by unidentified men while reporting on the civic elections in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh. Associate Editor Abdul Basheer and video journalist S. Vijay were targeted near the Gandhi statue close to the Pulivendula police station while documenting alleged poll rigging and stone pelting. The mob broke their camera, snatched their mobile phones, ID cards, memory card, and battery before the journalists managed to flee. Following the incident, an FIR was lodged, with police assuring strict action. The assault has triggered an intense political confrontation between the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress Party. The ruling TDP alleged that YSRCP orchestrated the attack to discredit the government and create a law-and-order disruption. In response, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the assault on the media crew, raised concerns over journalists' safety, and demanded freedom of the press alongside an impartial investigation.

The Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir faces internal rebellion as 25 National Conference MLAs issue a 14-day ultimatum to party leadership. The rebel legislators have threatened to march to Raj Bhavan and pull the plug on the government unless three major demands are met. They are seeking a complete cabinet overhaul, the dissolution of the current ministry, and the removal of the Chief Minister's advisors, including close aide Nasir Aslam Wani. They have also demanded that the party boldly pursue poll promises regarding special status and constitutional guarantees with the Centre. The rebellion follows reports of Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah threatening to resign from the party and his parliamentary seat.

Delhi witnessed a high-voltage political face-off as the BJP launched a counter-offensive on the streets against the INDIA bloc's Dilli Chalo march led by Rahul Gandhi. The BJP mounted a multi-pronged attack, holding a parallel solidarity march in Delhi and invoking the 1984 anti-Sikh riots while questioning the timing of the opposition's protest. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's prime ministerial ambitions, asserting that he could become prime minister only in a mock parliament. Union Minister JP Nadda and other senior leaders also slammed the Congress leadership. Meanwhile, in Haryana's Rohtak, the BJP flagged off the Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao march against the opposition's vote theft claims, while the opposition defended its stance.