Don't wan't to be CM, Rajinikanth says ahead of 2021 TN polls

A political confrontation has broken out between the ruling party and the opposition over remarks regarding women empowerment. The ruling party strongly criticised the opposition leadership for calling a nationalist organisation sexist and alleging it treats women as property. Leaders of the ruling party accused the opposition of hypocrisy, pointing out alleged mistreatment of female police personnel and journalists, while highlighting silence on sexual harassment charges involving a member of parliament from the opposition. The ruling party also raised past failures regarding the passage of legislation granting reservations to women in legislatures, stating that the opposition has consistently undermined women's rights.

A debate has emerged over public agitations, dissent, and warnings that regime change does not resolve national problems. The annual Vijayadashami address drew parallels with international unrest seen in Bangladesh, Nepal, France, and Albania, noting that agitations in a democracy must function within constitutional boundaries and focus on solutions rather than division. The discussion follows claims that student-led movements in India were influenced by unrest abroad. In response, opposition leaders stated that leadership transitions in India occur only through elections, criticising the ruling establishment's stance towards democratic opposition and public demonstrations.

Addressing Dussehra celebrations in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for national unity against forces that harm the country's honour, divide society, and oppose Indian culture. The Prime Minister urged political parties to work collaboratively with national institutions in the larger interest of the nation and defeat threats facing India. Several leaders reiterated similar concerns during their respective addresses. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cautioned against forces frustrated by India's unity, while West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged attempts to create anarchy and weaken the nation. Meanwhile, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat warned against orchestrated efforts toward regime change, referencing political unrest in France, Albania, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and asserted that such attempts would not succeed in India.

Three accused arrested in Rajasthan's Kota in connection with the firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff have been brought back to Mumbai following a 17-hour journey. Identified as Hrithik, Phool Singh, and Rehan Ansari, the suspects were lodged at Mumbai Police's Anti Extortion Cell lockup after undergoing medical examinations at GT Hospital. Security has been heightened around the facility as investigators prepare to produce the trio before a court to seek custody. Cops are interrogating the accused to uncover the broader extortion conspiracy and ascertain potential links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's operations.