Rahul Gandhi's 'Narender surrender' jibe triggers political showdown

The National Democratic Alliance secured a 4-0 clean sweep in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections across four constituencies, dealing a blow to the ruling Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party bagged the Northeast Teachers, West Graduates, and Southeast Graduates seats, while its ally Janata Dal (Secular) won the Bengaluru Teachers constituency. With the polling conducted through paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines, the Bharatiya Janata Party mocked the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, asserting that voters continue to back the NDA regardless of whether paper ballots or EVMs are used. The party also targeted Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on social media following the outcome. Responding to the results, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge maintained that while the party accepts democratic outcomes and will draw lessons, the defeat does not serve as a mandate on the performance of the state government due to the limited and specialised nature of the electorate comprising teachers and graduates.

Cyclone Arnaud completed its landfall process near the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast, weakening from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm. Gusty winds reaching up to 135 to 150 kilometres per hour, accompanied by heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, impacted coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of northern Tamil Nadu. Widespread waterlogging, overflowing canals, and uprooted trees were reported across several low-lying areas, causing vehicular damage and commuter disruption. Authorities prioritised a zero-fatality objective, leading to extensive pre-emptive evacuations with approximately 85,000 residents relocated to safer high-rise areas and relief centres across vulnerable districts. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has been closely monitoring the situation as rescue personnel and ground authorities work to clear blocked roads and manage drainage. Weather officials warned that despite weakening, coastal regions remain vulnerable to post-landfall cyclonic storm surges and heavy rainfall over the subsequent 24 hours.

A political controversy erupted following remarks made by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani at a conference in Saharanpur's Darul Uloom Deoband campus. Addressing the gathering, Madani alleged that Muslim identity, culture, and institutions are facing targeting, stating that demolished mosques would be restored and resound with the azan. Meanwhile, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Sunny Joseph tendered an unconditional apology to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over an unauthorised post on social media handle INC Keralam demanding the CJI's resignation. The party clarified that the media strategist behind the post acted without leadership approval and has been removed from his post.

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a revision in auto-rickshaw fares across the state, doubling the minimum base fare from 25 rupees to 50 rupees for the first 1.8 kilometres. Additionally, the rate for every subsequent kilometre has been increased from 12 rupees to 25 rupees. The revision comes following long-standing demands and multiple protests staged by the Auto Drivers Association calling for a fare hike after over a decade.