'It's Easy to Blame When You Lose': Nara Lokesh Backs EC at India Today South Conclave

The Congress party has carried out major leadership overhauls in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. In Punjab, former hockey Olympian Bhagat Singh replaces Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as the state Congress chief amid ongoing factional tensions between internal camps. The shift follows Sachin Pilot taking charge as the All India Congress Committee in charge of the state. In Uttar Pradesh, Rampur Khas MLA Aradhana Mishra has been appointed state chief in place of Ajay Rai, while MP Imran Masood has been named working president. The appointments in Uttar Pradesh come as seat-sharing discussions between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party continue, reflecting an effort to build a wider social coalition. Opposing political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and Aam Aadmi Party, criticised the organisational changes, alleging that internal rivalries and chief ministerial ambitions will continue to persist despite the reset.

China is at the centre of another packed week on Dragon Diaries. Could Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump sit down together at the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen?

The Dharapuram by-election campaign has witnessed intense political friction following remarks directed at TVK candidate Sathya Mama. The controversy escalated after statements regarding her political switch and appearance prompted TVK to lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission, alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Sathya Mama addressed the issue, calling the remarks an insult to women in politics. Political barbs also expanded to target party leadership, shifting the by-poll focus heavily toward personal and political confrontations.

A case has been registered by the Shivaji Park Police Station in Mumbai against organisers and 400 to 500 supporters of the CJP following an unauthorised protest on October 2. The case was filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections covering unlawful assembly and disobedience of orders promulgated by a public servant. Demonstrators gathered outside the barricaded park demanding the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has sought an investigation into the role and presence of minors at the site, setting a one-week deadline for a report. CJP has additionally called for further protests at Jantar Mantar amid ongoing clashes.