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The opposition INDIA bloc convened to deliberate on strategy regarding the Election Commission, but internal divisions emerged as key regional constituents opted out of the meeting. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav skipped the session due to Rajya Sabha nomination commitments in Uttar Pradesh, sending party representatives instead. The DMK also stayed away, stating it is no longer part of the alliance after Congress supported Vijay's TVK in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party declined participation, with leader Sanjay Singh reiterating that AAP is not part of the INDIA alliance. The Bharatiya Janata Party targeted the opposition, claiming its facade of unity had collapsed amidst reciprocal accusations. Further challenges highlighted for the coalition include seat-sharing disputes, weak electoral showings by the Congress, and inadequate parliamentary strength to pursue a removal motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Supreme Court scrutiny already clearing the election-related procedures.

Cracks have surfaced within the opposition INDIA bloc ahead of its crucial meeting, with key allies opting to stay away. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is skipping the meeting amid seat-sharing disagreements with the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, though a party representative may attend. The DMK has chosen to distance itself from the bloc following Congress's alignment with TVK in Tamil Nadu, while the Aam Aadmi Party has also stepped back, citing ideological differences. Capitalising on the deepening divide, the Bharatiya Janata Party targeted the opposition alliance, stating that its unity facade stands thoroughly exposed.

The opposition alliance held a meeting in the national capital to discuss its strategy regarding the Election Commission. The bloc is demanding a probe into decisions taken by the poll body, claiming differences in opinions among election commissioners were not addressed, and is seeking the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Nationwide protests are also being planned by opposition parties. Meanwhile, the ruling party criticised the meeting and questioned the unity of the alliance, citing the absence of several key regional parties and describing the bloc as an unstable coalition.

Security forces gunned down top Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Musa during an encounter in Gurweeth Kalan village of Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district. Joint forces initiated a cordon-and-search operation late at night based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the movement of a Lashkar group. The search team came under fire from two locations and retaliated, eliminating Musa in the initial exchange of fire. Musa headed the Musa Fauji group and was wanted for multiple guerrilla attacks on security forces and army convoys across Jammu and Kashmir, including an ambush in Gulmarg's Batapathri area that killed two army personnel. Combing operations continue in the area as forces suspect additional terrorists remain in hiding.