Indian National Congress

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has supported holding a parliamentary discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), pointing out that Parliament has not yet been prorogued following the monsoon session and can be reconvened. Tharoor's statement comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a Loktantra Bachao Pad Yatra rally in Karnal, challenged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to seek a special session of Parliament to discuss the SIR exercise. Tharoor noted that Rahul Gandhi's open challenge to debate the government on the issue stands, and the floor of Parliament remains open since the session was not prorogued. The report highlights political exchanges between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition, discussing procedural options regarding whether the monsoon session could be reconvened or whether the debate will be taken up during the upcoming winter session alongside pending legislative matters such as delimitation and the FCRA.

INDIA bloc and Karnataka Congress leaders organised a massive demonstration at Freedom Park in Bengaluru against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision issue. Protesters staged a theatrical mock arrest on the streets, featuring a demonstrator dressed in handcuffs and wearing a mask of Gyanesh Kumar alongside an actor dressed as a police officer. Demonstrators also paraded the individual in a mock jail setup, dressing the figure in khaki shorts to allege political ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Senior Karnataka Congress leaders, including Dinesh Gundu Rao, took part in the street protest. Party representatives stated that the demonstration followed the earlier opposition rally held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on 1 November, which demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision.

A major political face-off has erupted between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate. Addressing allegations regarding foreign links and opposition integrity, Rahul Gandhi called for an open public discussion before youth and media, offering any chosen platform. Hitting back, the BJP asserted that Parliament, not the streets or social media, serves as the constitutional forum for debates between the government and opposition leaders. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju offered a counter-advice list urging Rahul Gandhi not to disrupt parliamentary proceedings. Furthermore, Union Home Minister Amit Shah offered a focused discussion in the House on key issues if the opposition remains present to listen. The ruling party questioned the rationale behind street demonstrations when formal parliamentary sessions provide an established venue for national debates.

A major political face-off has erupted between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate. The challenge centres on allegations concerning foreign interference and opposition loyalty, with Gandhi claiming that seventy-three per cent of respondents in his online poll supported holding such an interaction. In response, the BJP maintained that Parliament remains the appropriate constitutional venue for debates rather than street rallies or social media platforms. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the Congress leader, offering a seven-point advice package that urged him to avoid secret overseas visits, participate in parliamentary discussions, respect constitutional institutions, and dismantle dynastic party structures. Concurrently, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh defended the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, asserting that democratic change must occur through the ballot rather than civil unrest.

In an interview with Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress MP and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs Dr. Shashi Tharoor evaluated the United States midterm election results, calling the verdict 'an extraordinary repudiation of President Trump and the party that has been remade in his name.' Tharoor noted that while the Democratic resurgence marks historic wins across battlegrounds, US foreign policy leeway means minimal immediate disruption to bilateral India-US engagements or ongoing trade negotiations. However, he cautioned that issues surrounding potential Graham Act sanctions, competitive trade terms, and Washington's ties with Pakistan remain key factors. Connecting the political outcome to India, Tharoor argued that domestic anti-incumbency is driven by inflation, rising living costs, graduate unemployment, and voter roll controversies, urging the Indian opposition to question whether citizens are better off under current governance.

A political showdown has intensified between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over allegations concerning foreign connections and funding. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi renewed his public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, daring him to hold an open debate on foreign links and the India-US trade deal. Proposing a format with the media and youth present, Gandhi even suggested Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat as a possible moderator, while also initiating a social media survey. The Bharatiya Janata Party swiftly countered the challenge, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that the government is fully prepared for a debate in Parliament, including convening a special session on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also criticised Gandhi for demanding a debate on social media instead of engaging inside Parliament, demanding that he substantiate his allegations with verifiable evidence.

The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a day-long conclave titled 'Wounds of 1984' in Punjab, coinciding with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's election campaign visit to Sangrur. The event commemorated the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, gathering survivors, victims' families, and legal voices to demand accountability and justice. Accompanied by a photographic exhibition put together by H.S. Phoolka and Aparna Singh, the conclave aimed to educate the younger generation regarding the violence and questioned the Congress party's record on justice. The counter-offensive follows a recent BJP pad yatra held in the national capital to mark the anniversary of the riots. India Today correspondent Kamaljeet Sandhu reported that the BJP is seeking to expand its political footprint in Punjab by challenging both the Congress and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party ahead of elections. Meanwhile, Congress leaders claimed the principal electoral contest in the state remains between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party.

A political confrontation erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress over allegations regarding foreign links, foreign funding, and foreign trips. Union Minister Giriraj Singh attacked Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader faces accusations of dual citizenship and cannot lecture Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further alleged that Sonia Gandhi voted for twelve years without Indian citizenship and questioned why proof regarding alleged vote theft has not been submitted to President Droupadi Murmu. Meanwhile, the BJP questioned Rahul Gandhi over alleged proximity to entities linked to George Soros and secret meetings during foreign visits, claiming such unannounced trips pose a threat to national security. In response, Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Modi to an open debate regarding foreign links, claiming the Prime Minister holds office due to foreign backing. Addressing gatherings, the Prime Minister warned against anti-India forces, secret meetings abroad, and the misuse of social media platforms to spread rumours and tarnish the nation's image.

The political confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has intensified following allegations regarding large-scale voter deletions from electoral rolls. Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the roll cleanup during an address in Telangana, asserting that three crore non-existent entries and infiltrators were eliminated to preserve the integrity of elections, while claiming the opposition opposed the process for vote bank politics. In contrast, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cited the deletion of over 13 crore names following the 2024 general election, characterising it as significant disenfranchisement and alleging electoral irregularities. Meanwhile, senior leaders from both sides debated the issue, with the ruling establishment disputing claims of voter theft and pointing to legitimate roll revisions, duplicate entries, and shifted voters, even as the opposition continues to seek explanations regarding the criteria and verification mechanisms behind the massive roll updates.

In an exclusive interview, senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Manickam Tagore accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of executing widespread 'vote chori' across several states, claiming that the opposition has gathered evidence and is presenting it directly to citizens under Rahul Gandhi's leadership. Commenting on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks regarding voter roll deletions, Tagore rejected allegations about illegal voters, stating, 'Every Muslim or every Christian can't be a ghuspaithiya.' He asserted that the deletion of 13 crore voters was aimed at hurting the INDIA bloc after a tight contest in the 2024 elections. He argued that public outrage over price rise and economic missteps forced the ruling party onto the streets, prompting what he described as targeted communal rhetoric. Tagore affirmed that the entire opposition alliance stands united to defend democratic norms.

In an interview with India Today, Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev countered Congress allegations regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and voter list revisions. Calling Congress's claim that 13.36 crore voters were deleted a bluff, Dev clarified that the figure represents an unfinalized draft roll containing deceased, relocated, and untraceable individuals. Challenging the opposition's statements about crowds at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, she said, "Politics is about public perception," maintaining that responsible parties must expose exaggerated attendance claims. Dev questioned how large numbers of voters become untraceable, explaining that such individuals are either non-existent entries or people lacking citizenship documentation. She noted that while the Election Commission cannot declare someone a foreigner, Foreigners Tribunals hold that authority. Responding to queries about the ruling party's nationwide demonstrations, Dev described the BJP's protests as a strategic counter-effort to show ground strength against the INDI Alliance.

Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury asserted that the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is set to hurt the six poll-bound states, insisting that it must be dismantled and reconstructed. Speaking out on the opposition's ongoing agitation regarding electoral roll deletions and 'vote chori', she targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stating, "And Gyanesh Kumar, of course, the chief criminal in this whole thing, has to be held accountable." Chowdhury dismissed claims of disunity within the INDIA bloc, maintaining that senior leaders were pacing their involvement and that common citizens had joined the demonstrations in large numbers in Delhi. When asked how the opposition plans to translate street protests into electoral success in upcoming assembly contests like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, Chowdhury refused to disclose tactical moves. She concluded that the wider public is rallying against rising living costs, unemployment, and safety concerns, arguing that the public movement will inevitably press ahead.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a massive gathering in Hyderabad following a citywide padayatra, mounting a strong offensive against the Congress and Rahul Gandhi over allegations of vote theft and electronic voting machine tampering. Countering claims made at the opposition's Ramlila rally, Shah questioned how Congress formed governments in Telangana, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu if voting machines were manipulated. He challenged the opposition to debate all contentious subjects, including the voter list revision, electronic voting machines, and infiltrators, in a special session of Parliament instead of disrupting legislative proceedings. Shah also dismissed claims regarding the deletion of thirteen crore voter names, asserting that over six crore electors had relocated and nearly three crore were deceased persons whose names required removal to prevent bogus voting. Emphasising parliamentary accountability, he asserted that the electorate has rejected Congress's unsubstantiated allegations.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched an attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Prime Minister came to power and remains in office due to foreign assistance. In a direct challenge, Rahul Gandhi dared Prime Minister Modi to an open debate at any stage and time regarding claims over foreign backing, financial support, and social media influence. Gandhi's remarks followed Prime Minister Modi's address where he cautioned against anti-India forces, questioned covert overseas meetings, and flagged the misuse of social media platforms to spread rumours and tarnish the image of the country. Reporting on the political standoff, correspondent Rahul Gautam noted that both sides have traded allegations over foreign interference and destabilisation, with the Congress leadership asserting that the ruling dispensation is backed by external powers, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused opposition forces of working with adversarial elements.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a one-kilometre-long pad yatra in Hyderabad, Telangana, concluding at Moazzam Jahi Market where he addressed a public gathering. Prior to the march, he offered prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi temple near Charminar. The march witnessed large participation from Bharatiya Janata Party cadres and members of the public hailing from Telangana as well as other states, featuring traditional cultural elements such as Bonalu and Bathukamma. The foot march is part of the party's nationwide campaign to counter the INDIA bloc's protests and allegations regarding the Special Intensive Revision and election integrity. Alongside the Hyderabad event, the party conducted synchronised rallies across the country, including in Rohtak and Kolkata, as part of an intensified campaign targeting opposition allegations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Hyderabad to lead the local leg of the Bharatiya Janata Party's nationwide pad yatra, titled 'Loktantra Bachao Anarchy Hatao Yatra'. The foot march, scheduled from opposite the Nizam College grounds to Mozamjahi Market, serves as a counter-campaign against protests led by the Congress party and the opposition INDIA bloc concerning electoral rolls and allegations of vote chori. Prior to the rally, the Home Minister offered prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple near Charminar and held meetings in the city. The yatra drew extensive crowds and party cadres along the route decked with security barricades and cultural performances. Party supporters gathered near Mozamjahi Market, where Amit Shah is set to address a public gathering to respond to opposition allegations and project the party's presence in Congress-ruled Telangana.

The opposition INDIA bloc mounted a major demonstration at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to protest against alleged electoral irregularities and targeted the Election Commission of India. Key leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Akhilesh Yadav, addressed the gathering, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of hijacking institutions and labelled the 2024 parliamentary elections illegal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the government over voter list manipulation and predicted electoral defeats for the ruling party. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed the opposition demonstration as a flop show and a waste of time. Pointing to visuals from Ramlila Maidan, the party countered claims of a 10 lakh attendance, asserting that significant sections of the venue remained vacant.

A heated debate unfolded on India Today over the opposition INDIA bloc's mega rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged vote theft. Congress national spokesperson Nighat Kaushik affirmed the party's satisfaction with the public turnout and voter participation, dismissing the Bharatiya Janata Party's criticisms regarding crowd numbers. She emphasized that the rally highlighted critical questions about voting rights and electoral rolls, asserting, 'When does demanding accountability become anarchy?' In response, BJP national spokesperson Dr Syed Zafar Islam characterised the rally as a flop show that caused disruption for local traders during the festive season. He challenged the Congress leadership to substantiate their allegations by approaching the court rather than attacking democratic institutions. The debate brought sharp focus to allegations of electoral tampering and counter-accusations of political gimmicks.

Following the conclusion of the INDIA bloc's mega rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, the Bharatiya Janata Party mounted a counter-offensive against the opposition. The BJP scheduled a press conference featuring national spokesperson Sambit Patra to rebut allegations raised by Rahul Gandhi, who demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Concurrently, BJP national president Nitin Nabin criticised the opposition leaders, asserting that the political parties participating in the rally represent defeated forces from states like Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal seeking to spread anarchy out of frustration. The BJP also organised counter-protest marches in Delhi and Rohtak, raising the 1984 anti-Sikh riots to accuse the Congress party and its allies of ignoring historical violence against victims while staging political agitations in the national capital.

A major show of strength by the INDIA alliance unfolded in the heart of the national capital as leaders and party workers headed towards Ramlila Maidan for a scheduled protest rally. To navigate permissions that allowed a rally rather than a foot march, the Congress unit brought Safari jeeps from Ranthambore, Rajasthan, to ferry senior leaders through Connaught Place and Minto Road Junction. Senior figures spotted in the procession included Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, D. Raja, Supriya Sule, M.A. Baby, and Dipankar Bhattacharya. Opposition party cadres, particularly from the Samajwadi Party, gathered in massive numbers along the outer circle of Connaught Place, bringing the procession to a temporary halt. Leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Kalpana Soren, and Tejashwi Yadav are also slated to address the gathering at Ramlila Maidan ahead of upcoming state election campaigns.