He is vote-cutter, not contender: Psephologists on Prashant Kishor in Bihar polls

Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Abdul Rashid has completed seven years in Tihar Jail while facing UAPA charges and terror funding allegations. He was briefly granted interim bail to campaign during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating current Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by nearly 2.5 lakh votes and securing over five lakh votes across 18 assembly constituencies. However, he remains imprisoned post-election, attending Parliament sessions only under heavy security or receiving brief parole for personal tragedies like his father's death. Local residents and family members expressed deep concern over the lack of representation for North Kashmir's population of around 20 lakh people. Voters stated that ongoing developmental projects, local works, and public issues have come to a standstill in his absence. Family members and constituents questioned why bail was permitted for election campaigning but is denied for public service, demanding his immediate release to ensure the region's voice is heard.

An interfaith convention in New York featured a keynote address by the RSS chief emphasizing unity, diversity, and inclusion. Addressing the gathering organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue as part of the Universal Oneness celebrations, the leadership highlighted that the core philosophy of Hinduism embraces everyone and does not exclude Muslims. The address aimed to dispel ongoing controversies and narratives surrounding an exclusionary vision, particularly following criticism from local political leadership. Outside the venue, demonstrators gathered to protest against the organization's historical track record, alleging concerns regarding minority rights in India. Simultaneously, supporters assembled in large numbers for the cultural and interfaith programs scheduled across the three-nation international tour covering the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The event showcased musical and artistic performances reflecting harmony, while the organizational leadership reiterated the principle that treating all paths with dignity remains central to society, ahead of a major address planned at Madison Square Garden.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing reception from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Members of the diaspora gathered in large numbers, waving the Indian tricolour, chanting slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', and presenting cultural performances, including a special performance by children. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold delegation-level talks with the Uzbek President to review bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, and education. Following his engagements in Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Bishkek on the invitation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic to attend the SCO summit.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke on humanity, religious harmony, and social service. Stating that truth and humanity are one despite diverse paths and rituals, he emphasized that diversity decorates innate unity. Recalling his 2018 speech in Delhi, Mohan Bhagwat reiterated that 'if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu.' He noted that RSS swayamsevaks run 1,30,000 service projects across Bharat without discrimination, citing their rescue work following a mid-air plane collision over Dadri, Haryana. Bhagwat stated that politics has become a game of self-interest and asserted that lasting social change must begin within society rather than through political channels. He advocated for continuous dialogue across communities at local, district, and national levels to foster unity and selfless service.