ECI Freezes TMC Symbol; Mamata Faction Lodges Strong Protest as Rahul Backs Didi

Apple stores across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru witnessed overnight queues as the official sale of the new iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro Max lineup commenced in India. Buyers camped overnight outside flagship locations, including Apple Saket in Delhi and Apple BKC in Mumbai, to receive the first units. While customers expressed satisfaction with pre-bookings and features, overall crowds were comparatively subdued due to price hikes across new and existing products, driven by import duties and currency exchange rates.

A major political row has erupted in Karnataka over the introduction of a new software charge in property tax. The state government has introduced a levy of ₹200 for residential properties and ₹1,000 for commercial buildings. The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly questioned the new tax component, seeking a cost breakup and demanding public accountability. The opposition asked why citizens should separately fund the government software system, urging the administration to either justify the utilization of the money or withdraw the charge immediately. The issue has triggered sharp criticism over added financial burdens on taxpayers amid ongoing civic concerns.

A political buzz has erupted in Karnataka after Congress MLA K.N. Rajanna made remarks regarding the vote banks of Siddaramaiah and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The MLA claimed that Congress is strong if Siddaramaiah is strong, highlighting his support base while questioning DK Shivakumar's pull among Vokkaliga voters. The comments have reignited discussions surrounding internal factionalism and vote-mobilising power within the Karnataka Congress, with discussions focusing on the community equations and political support garnered by key state leaders.

All India Trinamool Congress founder Mamata Banerjee has submitted a response to the Election Commission of India, registering a strong protest against the decision to freeze the party name and symbol. The Election Commission cited limited time to examine facts to decide which faction retains the existing symbol, directing both factions to submit three preferred names and symbols ahead of the upcoming by-polls in Rajarhat and Nandigram. The Mamata Banerjee faction is also reaching out to non-NDA political parties for broader support as the political dispute continues.