'No Political Party in Punjab Sincere': Shashi Kant on Drug Crisis

The drug menace in Punjab has resurfaced as a major political controversy ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the culmination of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Nashamukt Punjab Yatra in Jalandhar, pledged that the state would be made drug-free by December 31, 2029, if his party is voted to power. Shah accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government of allowing the trade of illicit synthetic drugs, locally known as Chitta, to flourish. The Congress labelled the campaign an ineffective exercise, while the Aam Aadmi Party defended its administrative record against the narcotics trade. The issue gained traction following incidents including a suicide in Sangrur and protests targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The INDIA bloc has unveiled an escalating campaign demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following a meeting of the Congress Working Committee and an all-party opposition conclave in New Delhi, the coalition announced a phased programme of action protesting against the Election Commission. Speaking on the broadcast, Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted that targeting only the Chief Election Commissioner is insufficient, alleging that the poll body is directed by top political leadership. He affirmed that the opposition would contest upcoming state elections rather than boycotting them. TMC Lok Sabha MP Sougata Roy defended seeking the resignations of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, pointing to legislative amendments altering the appointment process of election commissioners, and noted plans to pursue constitutional impeachment procedures.

In Tamil Nadu, campaigning intensifies for the upcoming by-elections in Dharapuram and Madurantakam, marking a high-stakes electoral test for Chief Minister Vijay's TVK as candidate Satyabhama faces criticism following her shift from the AIADMK. Political analyst Akshat Ram and TVK spokesperson Sathiyakumar debate allegations of political horse-trading and local anti-incumbency challenges facing the party. Meanwhile, a major controversy erupts in Telangana after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy questioned the BJP's frequent invocation of Jai Shri Ram over Har Har Mahadev. BJP leader Madhavi Latha hits back on the broadcast, accusing the Congress leader of attempting to divide Hindu traditions and ignoring state development issues. Additionally, at the India Today South Conclave in Kochi, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh spoke exclusively with Rajdeep Sardesai, defending the Election Commission of India amidst opposition demands targeting the Chief Election Commissioner over the Special Intensive Revision process.

Over 20 opposition parties of the INDIA bloc met in the national capital to announce a coordinated nationwide campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the SIR exercise. The alliance unveiled plans for Save Democracy marches from 2nd to 8th October, a march to the Election Commission on 6th October, five major rallies across October and November, and a mega rally in Delhi on 1st November. The bloc demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and a rollback of the SIR process. However, unity questions emerged as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav skipped the meeting, officially citing Rajya Sabha election preparations. Underlying friction between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party centres on seat-sharing disputes ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, particularly concerning seats in the Rae Bareli-Amethi belt, Unnao, and Hardoi.