CM Vijay launches Rs 755-crore gold ring scheme for newborns in Tamil Nadu

A debate on Election Commission integrity and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar saw intense confrontation between BJP spokesperson Sanju Verma, Congress spokesperson Adil Singh Boparai, and analyst Rajat Sethi, moderated by Gaurav Sawant. Congress demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, alleging unilateral modifications to Form 6 and ignoring dissent from fellow Election Commissioners. Boparai stated that 'Gyanesh Kumar has become bigger than the institution.' The BJP refuted all allegations of constitutional violations, citing Article 324 and Supreme Court rulings regarding electoral rolls and Form 6 annexures. Verma asserted that the opposition routinely blames institutions following election losses. Sethi noted the constitutional reservoir of powers under Article 324 while emphasizing that institutional transparency must stand above suspicion.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to decide the Trinamool Congress name and symbol dispute between the factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee within three months. Meanwhile, Congress and opposition parties are holding protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the revision of electoral rolls. In Delhi, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma has come under political scrutiny following an altercation during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar, with AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Jarnail Singh criticising the incident. In Punjab, student unrest and police action at Lovely Professional University following sexual assault allegations have prompted a Special Investigation Team probe. The coverage also tracks Supreme Court observations on women's safety, Delhi's winter anti-pollution measures and Congress's reaction to the DUSU election results.

Indian Youth Congress workers staged a protest march from their Raisina Road office towards the Election Commission headquarters, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Demonstrators sought action against the poll body chief, alleging treasonous activity following a newspaper report. Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed at the site halted the march and directed protesters to return. This marks another attempt by the youth wing to march to the commission amid nationwide protests by Congress units against the central government and the election chief.

A violent clash erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU), leading to arson, widespread damage to police vehicles, and the suspension of classes for ten days. Speaking on the situation, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) stated that the ground situation is under control, explaining that a clash between students and police personnel occurred following provocation near the university gate. The officer dismissed allegations that the police prolonged the unrest, maintaining that senior officials continuously engaged in negotiations while exercising maximum restraint. He further noted that authorities are examining video footage to identify the culprits and ascertain the presence of outside elements among the protesting crowd. Meanwhile, mid-term examinations have been disrupted, and students were seen packing their luggage and leaving the campus amid heavy police presence, including a flag march conducted to restore public order.