Regime Change Debate, Opposition Protests Against EC and Gen Z Unrest

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.

At the Ramlila celebrations, the Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee set ablaze a cockroach effigy alongside traditional festivities to deliver a social message aimed at cleaning up filth across the country. Addressing the gathering from the dais, Kapil Mishra stated that as India grows stronger, anti-India forces come out on the streets, explaining the reasoning behind the initiative. However, questions emerged regarding adherence to the flag code of conduct at the venue, as the Indian tricolour was hoisted below a religious flag on the event grounds.

A controversy has erupted in Kolkata during Durga Puja as ideological clashes broke out over competing book stalls set up by left and right-wing organisations. In South Kolkata near Jadavpur University, party workers blocked a JCB machine sent to remove a CPM book stall that has operated during the festival for 49 years, forcing the administration to retreat. In North Kolkata, ABVP workers reportedly targeted another bookstore, drawing resistance from elderly visitors and prompting widespread criticism. The season also witnessed the debut of a saffron book stall set up by BJP and RSS workers. While the state BJP distanced itself from allegations of vandalism, the Trinamool Congress and Congress offered support to the left.