India Growth Outlook Raised by Global Agencies, Market Rallies, No Fuel Hike on Cards

In an interview with India Today, former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa addressed reports regarding dissent by two election commissioners on poll panel decisions. Lavasa stated that transparency is essential and noted, 'All the details should be placed in the public domain so that things are clear.' He questioned how a contrary view could prevail if two commissioners held the same opinion, emphasizing that the Election Commission of India needs to explain the facts. Lavasa also raised legal concerns regarding changes made to Form 6 and the centralization of the voter database via ERONet, pointing out that statutory authority to admit or delete electors lies strictly with the Electoral Registration Officer. Furthermore, commenting on reports of election commissioners writing to the Cabinet Secretary and the high percentage of successful appeals against voter deletions in West Bengal under the Special Intensive Revision exercise, Lavasa stated that adequate oversight and accountability mechanisms remain crucial.

The Indian Youth Congress staged a protest outside its headquarters demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner following reports highlighting alleged internal divisions within the Election Commission of India. Protesters raised concerns over the centralisation of powers, the special intensive revision process, and the functioning of voter addition and deletion procedures. Heavy police and paramilitary forces were deployed to prevent the demonstration from marching towards Raisina Road, as opposition parties continued to question the government and the election body over the matter.

The Election Commission of India has issued a press note addressing media reports alleging internal rifts between the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners. Defending its working, the commission stated that its actions strictly follow statutory law and that all decisions taken over the past year have been unanimous. Clarifying the nature of internal communication, the poll body stated that differing views are normal and internal notes serve as checks and balances to improve the electoral process, rather than indicating conflict.

A horrific incident in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh claimed five lives after a man, identified as Arvind Singh, opened fire following an argument during a religious ritual at his home. Singh, who reportedly lost faith in rituals and opposed household prayers following his elder brother Sunil Singh's murder in 2018, confronted priests performing a Mahamrityunjay chant. After demanding identity proofs from the priests and facing opposition from his wife, Babita, Singh shot her and two priests dead. He subsequently locked himself inside a room, holding his three young children hostage. Senior police officials, including the DIG of Azamgarh and ADG Zone Varanasi, surrounded the residence during an intense eight-hour standoff. When gunfire was heard from inside, police used stun grenades and tear gas to breach the premises. Singh fired upon the team with his licensed revolver, prompting retaliatory police fire. Singh and his eldest son, Shaurya, were fatally wounded, while two young daughters were rescued and hospitalised.