Tamil Nadu Roundtable: NEP, Hindi Imposition & Two-Language Formula Spark Political Showdown

The Bharatiya Janata Party has made a major poll promise ahead of the assembly elections, vowing to eradicate the drug menace in Punjab within two years of forming the government. Amid controversy surrounding the Gulzar suicide row, the party announced a Nashamuk Punjab Yatra across villages and households to build public awareness. Top party leaders and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are scheduled to participate in the campaign across the state.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, veteran Kannada actor and Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee Anant Nag expressed his gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a "jewel in the crown" of Karnataka. Dedicating the honour to the people of the state, Nag reflected on following in the footsteps of legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging his achievement, stating that receiving congratulatory words from the Prime Minister felt "as good as getting two Phalke Awards." Nag commended Modi's governance and political journey, noting his long tenure as Chief Minister before becoming Prime Minister.

A protest against the stray dog menace in Maharashtra sparked allegations of animal cruelty after political workers brought stray dogs packed inside sacks to the Niphad Nagar Panchayat chief officer's office. Visuals showed agitators releasing the animals directly inside the official's cabin to protest administrative inaction over canine attacks on local residents, children, and senior citizens. The youth wing members alleged that despite raising complaints for six months regarding rising stray dog incidents, authorities had failed to initiate effective action, leading them to stage the demonstration. The manner in which the animals were confined in sacks and released inside the civic headquarters has drawn severe criticism.

Rival factions of the Trinamool Congress are scheduled to meet the Election Commission of India in Delhi to resolve the dispute over the party symbol. The rebel camp, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, is slated to meet the commission first, followed by the Mamata Banerjee faction. Both factions claim to represent the authentic TMC and have fielded candidates using the same party symbol ahead of the upcoming Nandigram by-poll on October 6. While the Mamata Banerjee camp asserts that she is the face of the party, the rebel faction maintains they await the poll body's decision, aiming to cancel the opposing group's membership if the ruling goes in their favour.