Push-up challenge at Mind Rocks: Rijiju vs India Today. Who won?

In an interview with India Today, former Director General of Punjab Police Shashi Kant addressed the pervasive crisis of narcotics trafficking in Punjab and the systemic challenges obstructing its eradication. Highlighting the monetary networks driving the trade, Kant noted, 'No political party in Punjab was or is sincere about this particular crisis because of the drug money.' He recounted how the illicit trade evolved from earlier smuggling networks into a lucrative nexus patronized by cartels and political interests. Pointing out that various government departments must work together across healthcare, employment, and rehabilitation, Kant expressed skepticism regarding deadlines set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to eliminate drugs by 2029, emphasizing that rhetoric cannot substitute for a concrete, multi-departmental blueprint. He called for a time-bound national strategy capable of tackling both external supply routes from Pakistan and the internal nexus sustaining addiction across the state.

The drug menace in Punjab has resurfaced as a major political controversy ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the culmination of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Nashamukt Punjab Yatra in Jalandhar, pledged that the state would be made drug-free by December 31, 2029, if his party is voted to power. Shah accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government of allowing the trade of illicit synthetic drugs, locally known as Chitta, to flourish. The Congress labelled the campaign an ineffective exercise, while the Aam Aadmi Party defended its administrative record against the narcotics trade. The issue gained traction following incidents including a suicide in Sangrur and protests targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The INDIA bloc has unveiled an escalating campaign demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following a meeting of the Congress Working Committee and an all-party opposition conclave in New Delhi, the coalition announced a phased programme of action protesting against the Election Commission. Speaking on the broadcast, Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted that targeting only the Chief Election Commissioner is insufficient, alleging that the poll body is directed by top political leadership. He affirmed that the opposition would contest upcoming state elections rather than boycotting them. TMC Lok Sabha MP Sougata Roy defended seeking the resignations of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, pointing to legislative amendments altering the appointment process of election commissioners, and noted plans to pursue constitutional impeachment procedures.

In Tamil Nadu, campaigning intensifies for the upcoming by-elections in Dharapuram and Madurantakam, marking a high-stakes electoral test for Chief Minister Vijay's TVK as candidate Satyabhama faces criticism following her shift from the AIADMK. Political analyst Akshat Ram and TVK spokesperson Sathiyakumar debate allegations of political horse-trading and local anti-incumbency challenges facing the party. Meanwhile, a major controversy erupts in Telangana after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy questioned the BJP's frequent invocation of Jai Shri Ram over Har Har Mahadev. BJP leader Madhavi Latha hits back on the broadcast, accusing the Congress leader of attempting to divide Hindu traditions and ignoring state development issues. Additionally, at the India Today South Conclave in Kochi, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh spoke exclusively with Rajdeep Sardesai, defending the Election Commission of India amidst opposition demands targeting the Chief Election Commissioner over the Special Intensive Revision process.