Shashi Tharoor skips key Congress meet: Rift before Kerala assembly elections?

A major political row has erupted in Karnataka after state minister Priyank Kharge addressed a youth gathering and made remarks regarding the Congress Party and the Cockroach Janata Party. The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party launched a fierce attack on the ruling Congress, with the Leader of the Opposition accusing Kharge of admitting to an underlying nexus between both groups. While Kharge assured the youth that police would not detain peaceful protesters, the opposition claimed the party's mask had slipped. Sources close to the minister clarified that his comments reflected a shared fight on specific issues rather than any formal alliance.

A symbolic protest has been organised in Chennai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the ongoing SIR exercise. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi is spearheading the demonstration, which features Periyar-like models as symbolic elements, alongside participation from VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan. The demonstration follows similar unrest in Delhi. The political dynamics in Tamil Nadu remain under observation as the TVK government designates specific locations for protests, including the stadium area, while various political fronts, including DMK and alliance partners, raise questions regarding the election process and voter outreach.

Delhi is bracing for a potential flashpoint as the Caucus Janata Party called for an unauthorised Tiranga rally at Central Park in Connaught Place. Party founder Abhijit Dipke urged citizens to join the demonstration following the arrest of leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das over events at Jantar Mantar. In response, authorities clamped prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across the area. The New Delhi Municipal Council closed Central Park for two days citing administrative reasons, while Delhi Police deployed heavy security, diverted routes, and warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators. Police stated only 11 individuals would be permitted to unfurl the national flag at a designated location. Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh heavily criticised Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties, accusing them of spreading lawlessness and attempting to hold democracy hostage under the guise of defending the Constitution.

Traders associations in Delhi, including the Khan Market Traders Association and the Delhi Kirana Committee, have moved the Supreme Court against the planned protest by the Concord Janata Party in Central Delhi's Connaught Place. The local municipal authorities closed Central Park for two days ahead of the scheduled Tiranga March, leading to road blockages and the closure of shops in the commercial hub. Counsel representing the traders submitted before the bench of the Chief Justice that daily-wage vendors, street stall operators, and local shopkeepers face severe financial disruption ahead of the festive season. The Supreme Court declined to pass immediate stay orders before the Dussehra break, observing that questions of compensation under tort law could be examined subsequently. Local trade representatives highlighted significant commercial losses running into thousands of crores across retail and wholesale sectors, urging authorities to prevent disruptive gatherings in key shopping markets during festive periods.