NDA Ministers Clash Over SC-ST Reservation Sub-Categorisation & Creamy Layer Quota

An Air India pilot has been suspended and off-rostered after failing a breath analyzer test prior to operating flight AI 152 from Zurich to Delhi. The airline's internal safety and monitoring team flagged the pilot's condition at the airport, prompting Zurich airport authorities to conduct an alcohol test. Following the failed test, the pilot was immediately removed from the cockpit, leading to a flight delay. He was subsequently repatriated to India as a passenger. Air India has launched a probe into the incident, with further disciplinary action pending the arrival of the final medical report.

A Trinamool Congress leader's car was gheraoed and attacked in Uttarpara, Hooghly district, while en route to a public rally addressed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Serampore. A group of people carrying black flags surrounded the vehicle, shouted slogans, pelted eggs, and smashed the rear window, causing minor injuries from shattered glass. While Trinamool Congress alleged that the incident was orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party to disrupt the rally, the opposition party rejected the allegations. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi ahead of the UP Assembly elections. Meetings were lined up with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the party leadership to review UP poll preparations. The Bharatiya Janata Party is reviewing multiple internal surveys to identify key areas requiring extra focus and working on strategies to strengthen ground-level workers while effectively countering aggressive opposition campaigns.

Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc are preparing to present a united front against the Chief Election Commissioner, demanding his resignation. A crucial meeting of key alliance leaders is scheduled to take place on September 30 at the Constitution Club of India in Delhi. The gathering follows individual party discussions, including the Congress Working Committee meeting slated for September 29. Alliance partners, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), are formulating strategies to challenge the CEC and the central government over recent revelations. Leaders are deliberating plans for coordinated nationwide agitations and state-level demonstrations. Outreach efforts are also underway to bring together additional opposition groups and regional leaders under an expanded alliance platform. A joint press conference is expected following the conclusion of the September 30 meeting to announce their collective strategy and outline subsequent plans for protest action.