Enforcement Directorate Investigation, Political Controversy, Media Face-Off

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has reiterated his stance encouraging families to have more children, highlighting that children are wealth. Addressing criticism regarding state financial incentives provided to families having a third child, he defended the measure by stating that while he previously advocated population control when numbers were rising, population levels are now decreasing. He cautioned that several countries have suffered due to declining populations and warned that India could face similar consequences without intervention.

A debate arose in the Telangana Legislative Assembly regarding actions towards Mallikarjun Kharge and Gaddam Prasad Kumar. Addressing the Speaker, a member questioned the Bharat Rashtra Samithi for not tendering an apology to society and rectifying their mistake. The member stated that the government is taking the matter seriously, noting that protests are ongoing from the streets to Parliament and reaching the President. It was emphasised that such behaviour will not be tolerated in Telangana and is seen as an insult to society and the House.

A political confrontation took place between the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi following the suspension of 22 opposition MLAs from the Telangana Assembly. Congress spokesperson Srinivas Reddy Kumbham defended the Speaker's action, maintaining that the opposition disrupted proceedings and stormed the well of the House instead of engaging in debates, while questioning the absence of the Leader of Opposition. In response, BRS leader Ravula Sridhar Reddy accused the government of deliberately stifling the opposition to avoid scrutiny regarding unfulfilled electoral guarantees and promises. The BRS leader highlighted the rejection of their adjournment motions, alleged police excess against protesting legislators, and security concerns at the Leader of Opposition's residence. The Congress representative stated that an inquiry was ordered into the allegations concerning the handling of women legislators, noting that personal abuses against the Speaker's office were unparliamentary and unacceptable.

A new political coalition in Tamil Nadu has been formally named the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance, bringing together Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam, Congress, AIADMK, MDMK, and VCK. Alliance leaders presented a united front ahead of the 2029 general elections and 2031 polls. However, differences remain within the grouping, particularly between TVK and Congress over aspirations regarding the 2029 prime ministerial candidacy. VCK also expressed reservations over assembly conduct despite attending, while Left parties chose to skip the meeting to remain with the DMK alliance.