Showdown over SIR drive: Is SIR leading to mass deletions of voters?

A massive political row has erupted over Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Patna. Hitting back, Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated that the opposition does not know how to behave, uses street language, and has lost its credibility among the people. Nadda remarked that the BJP had been in the opposition for decades and suggested opposition leaders take tuitions on conduct. Meanwhile, the BJP launched an aggressive campaign and released a dedicated campaign song targeting the Congress over personal attacks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the Health Wealth Summit 2026 organised by the India Today Group, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda addressed India's healthcare roadmap, infrastructure expansion, and public expenditure. Highlighting initiatives under the National Health Policy, Nadda detailed the growth of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, non-communicable disease screenings, and digital healthcare platforms such as ABHA and U-WIN. He reported institutional deliveries reaching 90 per cent alongside decreases in maternal and infant mortality rates. Regarding medical education, he noted the rise of AIIMS facilities to 23 and medical colleges to 860. Addressing public health expenditure, Nadda stated the central government is prepared to allocate up to 2.5 per cent of GDP, but identified state spending capacity as a constraint, citing unutilised grants under the 15th Finance Commission and the 64,000 crore rupee Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. He highlighted cancer drug price caps, Jan Aushadhi and AMRIT pharmacies, Ayushman Bharat grievance redressal committees, and criticised opposition protests.

Actor Imran Khan has challenged the Leave India Notice and subsequent show cause notice served to him following his appearance at a protest in Mumbai. Authorities issued the directive citing norms governing Overseas Citizen of India cardholders. Khan responded by stating that no statement was recorded for the first information report and that the authorities have not shown him any evidence detailing the charges against him. He questioned the grounds for demanding his departure from the country and sought a reasonable opportunity to be heard. While police maintained he took part in the agitation, Khan clarified he only visited out of curiosity, shouted no slogans, and was detained after speaking to the media.

A political rift has emerged within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti coalition following the Legislative Council elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party publicly blaming ally Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, for losses in key constituencies. The BJP alleged a lack of coordination and accused the Shinde-led faction of supporting rebel candidates and backing an independent candidate at the eleventh hour, which fractured votes and led to defeats in the Pune graduate and Nagpur segments. In Pune, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) secured victory by 10,000 votes, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi made notable gains by winning three out of five contested seats. The BJP raised questions over coalition dharma and alleged internal sabotage, specifically highlighting cross-campaigning against allies in Sambhaji Nagar. While the Shinde-led Shiv Sena's official response remains awaited, the growing discord and blame game highlight mounting operational fractures within Maharashtra's ruling alliance.