Election Commission Rebuts Rift Claims, Extends SIR Deadlines In Delhi And Maharashtra

Severe waterlogging following heavy rainfall in Gorakhpur has triggered a political dispute within the Bharatiya Janata Party. The situation escalated after a local party councillor contacted Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan to flag water accumulation in areas that had reportedly never flooded in over a decade. During the phone call, the MP questioned if the councillor had joined the Samajwadi Party, prompting the councillor to retort asking whether the MP had joined the Bahujan Samaj Party. The confrontation has placed scrutiny on the MP's earlier remarks comparing Gorakhpur's development to Spain. Defending the administrative response, Ravi Kishan stated that the intensity of the rain was unprecedented in nearly two decades, adding that municipal pumps were deployed and water levels would recede once the downpour stopped.

The Ganga Expressway faced severe waterlogging following heavy rainfall in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. Visuals from the expressway showed the exit toll plaza submerged under five to six feet of water, with several vehicles stranded and a truck breaking down on the service road after water entered its engine. The waterlogging impacted traffic movement significantly across the corridor. The incident also sparked political reactions, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticising the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over the expressway flooding. Ground reports highlighted engineering and drainage concerns, showing toll cabins inundated and operational staff forced to abandon their booths. Construction agencies deployed generators and excavators to dig trenches and pump out stagnant water.

A news bulletin reports on statements delivered at the United Nations General Assembly regarding conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. The address emphasised that lasting peace in West Asia requires a two-state solution, while highlighting India's ongoing humanitarian relief assistance for the Palestinian people. The statement condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in international waterways, urging restraint, de-escalation, civilian protection, and the uninterrupted movement of commerce and energy. Highlighting the Ukraine conflict, the statement reiterated that endless war must give way to an end to war, with calls to address food and energy security. Network correspondent Pranay Upadhyay observed India's diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to counter supply disruptions impacting the Global South.

The Election Commission of India held an internal meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi amid allegations of internal differences. The poll body issued a clarification stating that all key decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision process were taken unanimously by consensus and were deemed legally valid by the Supreme Court of India. The Bharatiya Janata Party and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu supported the clarification, while opposition voices raised concerns regarding form amendments and deletions.