Opposition Demands Re-Elections, Flags Voter List Row and Targets Election Commission

Amid escalating crude oil rates driven by West Asia tensions, government sources have confirmed that no price hike is being planned for petrol and diesel. With global crude prices expected to remain volatile, the government is prioritising energy security and may subsidise oil marketing companies to absorb price pressures rather than passing them on to consumers. To mitigate supply disruptions around Iranian sectors, plans are underway to diversify crude procurement to Iraq and Saudi Arabia while maintaining Russian crude imports. Oil marketing companies currently face under-recoveries of Rs 20 to 25 per litre for diesel and Rs 5 to 10 per litre for petrol.

On the Business Today Show, host Sakshi Batra tracks Dalal Street closing action alongside key corporate developments. Top global rating agencies, including S&P, Fitch, ADB, and Moody's, have raised India's FY27 economic growth projections to around 7%, triggering a rally across domestic equities. Sensex and Nifty closed firmly higher, led by gains in metals, real estate, FMCG, and PSU banking stocks. Market expert Abhishek Basumallick discusses how global rating revisions impact sentiment, the influence of elevated crude oil prices hovering near 100 dollars a barrel, and investment opportunities in the metals and consumption sectors. Additionally, the broadcast reveals that no retail petrol or diesel price hikes are planned by the Indian government despite rising crude volatility. The report also highlights corporate updates, including Airtel Money's planned London Stock Exchange listing, Microsoft job cuts across Xbox teams, and significant single-day moves in shares of Whirlpool India and Optiemus Infracom ahead of the upcoming National Stock Exchange listing.

In an interview with India Today, former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa addressed reports regarding dissent by two election commissioners on poll panel decisions. Lavasa stated that transparency is essential and noted, 'All the details should be placed in the public domain so that things are clear.' He questioned how a contrary view could prevail if two commissioners held the same opinion, emphasizing that the Election Commission of India needs to explain the facts. Lavasa also raised legal concerns regarding changes made to Form 6 and the centralization of the voter database via ERONet, pointing out that statutory authority to admit or delete electors lies strictly with the Electoral Registration Officer. Furthermore, commenting on reports of election commissioners writing to the Cabinet Secretary and the high percentage of successful appeals against voter deletions in West Bengal under the Special Intensive Revision exercise, Lavasa stated that adequate oversight and accountability mechanisms remain crucial.

The Indian Youth Congress staged a protest outside its headquarters demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner following reports highlighting alleged internal divisions within the Election Commission of India. Protesters raised concerns over the centralisation of powers, the special intensive revision process, and the functioning of voter addition and deletion procedures. Heavy police and paramilitary forces were deployed to prevent the demonstration from marching towards Raisina Road, as opposition parties continued to question the government and the election body over the matter.