Bengal By-Poll Drama: Candidate U-Turns, Arrest Row & Supreme Court Battle

Speaking at the India Today Roundtable, CPI(M) State Secretariat member and former Kerala minister MB Rajesh addressed the Left Democratic Front's recent electoral setback and detailed the party's introspection process. Rajesh stated that the Left conducted thorough reviews from the grassroots to the top level, identifying both objective and subjective factors behind the election results. Defending the Left's legacy, he highlighted major achievements in infrastructure development through KIIFB, high per-capita GDP growth, and strong education indicators. He dismissed allegations against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by central agencies, claiming the Enforcement Directorate is being used as a political weapon. Rajesh further alleged that the Congress-led UDF government acts as the 'B team of BJP' on key policy decisions. Asserting that the Left's core mass base remains intact, he maintained that the party will continue grassroot struggles and make a strong political comeback across Kerala and West Bengal.

An address examines the operational structure of national institutions, outlining how power dynamics, surveillance mechanisms, ideological networks, and corporate funding intersect across key sectors. The discourse addresses control over communication channels, educational bodies, legal entities, business sectors, media, and sports administrations. It highlights concerns regarding institutional autonomy, nepotism, and meritocracy across varied organisations. The discussion contrasts the inquisitive nature of students with conformist mindsets, arguing that questioning authorities on systemic decisions, corporate monopolies, and institutional integrity remains vital for society. Additionally, it highlights social values, contrasting critical inquiry, humility, and equality with compliance, division, and bias within public institutions.

High drama unfolded in Ludhiana after BJP leader Ravneet Bittu was detained for allegedly throwing eggs, tomatoes, and an alcohol bottle at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's convoy outside Punjab Agricultural University. According to Bittu's team, the leader has been placed under house arrest at his residence in Ludhiana, with police barring him from communicating with anyone. The protest reportedly followed an earlier incident in Batala where Bittu alleged that Aam Aadmi Party workers hurled eggs and tomatoes at his vehicle while he was travelling towards Pathankot.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has registered a major victory in the Delhi University Students Union elections, winning three out of the four central panel posts. ABVP candidate Yash Dabbs won the post of president, Riya Chaudhary was elected secretary, and Lakshya Raj Singh secured the joint secretary seat. Independent candidate Deepanshu Shokin won the post of vice president, securing a record 30,610 votes. The Congress-backed National Students' Union of India failed to win a single seat on the central panel after leading in initial rounds. Following the results, the Bharatiya Janata Party hailed the outcome as a boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's youth outreach and stated that the mandate exposes Congress' false narratives. Meanwhile, NSUI President Vinod Jakhar alleged collusion between the university administration and ABVP, claiming attempts were made to influence counting and rig the mandate.