The Lok Sabha, or the House of the People, is the lower house of India's bicameral Parliament, with the Rajya Sabha being the upper house. As of my last update in April 2023, it is the centerpiece of India's democratic framework and plays a crucial role in the nation's legislative process.
The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives directly elected by the people of India, using a first-past-the-post electoral system. Currently, the strength of the Lok Sabha is 543 members. The tenure of the Lok Sabha is five years from the date of its first sitting unless dissolved earlier. However, this period can be extended during a national emergency.
The Lok Sabha holds significant legislative powers. Most importantly, it plays a key role in the formation and stability of the government, as the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are responsible to the Lok Sabha. A government can remain in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of this house.
Financial bills, especially the annual budget, are typically introduced first in the Lok Sabha. While both houses need to pass ordinary bills, in the case of a deadlock, a joint sitting of both houses can be held, where the decision is taken by a simple majority.
The Lok Sabha also has a role in amending the Constitution, although such amendments also require the approval of the Rajya Sabha.
A political controversy has emerged over allegations concerning the Chief Election Commissioner. A former Kerala Chief Secretary alleged that during a flight to Delhi in 2016, the official advised him to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket, an offer he stated he rejected. The opposition has questioned the neutrality of the Election Commission and demanded the resignation of the poll body chief following reports regarding internal rifts. Meanwhile, the ruling party dismissed the claims as fabricated, questioning why the allegations surfaced after an entire decade and raising doubts over the timing of the disclosure.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following allegations by former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson. Thomson claimed that in 2016, Gyanesh Kumar advised him during a flight to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket, win, and become a minister. Speaking on the revelations, Priyanka Gandhi termed the alleged action illegal, unconstitutional, and unethical, questioning how individuals actively propagating party leanings can oversee fair elections. The controversy comes amid wider opposition scrutiny and ongoing friction within the Election Commission, with Congress leaders warning that protests demanding the poll chief's resignation will escalate in the coming weeks.
A political war of words has erupted after former Kerala Chief Secretary G.G. Thompson alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during a flight to Delhi in 2016, advised him to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket. Thompson stated that he promptly rejected the offer. Seizing on the claim, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked Kumar, alleging that he previously recruited for the BJP and accusing the prime minister and home minister of making him the election umpire. Speaking on the matter, Congress MP Jebi Mather called Kumar a "chief conspiracy commissioner", demanding his arrest and immediate resignation over alleged misuse of constitutional office. Meanwhile, the BJP strongly dismissed the allegations as fabricated, questioning why Thompson maintained silence for nearly a decade and casting doubt over his credibility, with party spokesperson RP Singh alleging political motives behind the delayed disclosure.
A political controversy has erupted following claims by a former Kerala chief secretary regarding an offer to join the ruling party ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. According to the claims, a senior official suggested contesting parliamentary elections, securing a seat, and subsequently taking up a ministerial position during a flight conversation in 2016 ahead of retirement. The offer was reportedly rejected at the time. The opposition Congress in Kerala has raised questions regarding the authority under which the suggestion was made and questioned the conduct of an official serving in government service who later became an election commissioner.
Opposition parties within the INDIA bloc and broader regional outfits are stepping up consultations to formulate a coordinated strategy demanding the resignation and criminal proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Top leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi, have held discussions regarding allegations of voter data and procedural inconsistencies in recent assembly elections. Efforts are underway to organise a joint meeting followed by an opposition media briefing to formalise their campaign. Parties including the Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party, and regional groups are being approached to form an expanded front. Concurrently, public demonstration ultimatums have been issued demanding institutional accountability. NDA allies have also underscored the importance of institutional transparency, urging the Election Commission of India to publicly clarify concerns and uphold public trust in democratic electoral processes.
In an interview, former Chief Election Commissioner S. Y. Quraishi addressed the reported internal rift within the Election Commission of India involving CEC Gyanesh Kumar and fellow election commissioners. Quraishi stated that unilateral decision-making by a single individual within the multi-member body renders decisions invalid, remarking, "Any, all decisions taken by a single man, whosoever he may be, he may be the chairman of the Election Commission, but they're all illegal." He discussed opposition demands to nullify recent elections, noting that extensive voter deletions have compromised the electoral process. Quraishi observed that dissenting election commissioners face distinct operational pressures, citing historical instances where dissenting members were removed. Addressing public agitation and street ultimatums, he described the diminishing public trust in the commission as unprecedented. He also called for a technical and legal audit of all decisions taken by the Election Commission over the past two years.
Political tensions have escalated over demands for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, prompting protests from the streets to Parliament. The Congress party launched street agitations across states following a press conference by Rahul Gandhi, while the INDIA bloc is considering collective action, including a potential impeachment motion and legal challenges. However, an impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses of Parliament, representing a steep numerical hurdle for the opposition. Previous removal attempts encountered significant procedural obstacles and pending motions. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has responded with multiple press conferences, defending the integrity of democratic processes and noting that the Election Commission clarified all proper protocols were strictly observed. As the government remains watchful of emerging political developments, the opposition is assessing whether to escalate protests or pursue formal parliamentary and legal routes.
A major political confrontation erupted across multiple states over the Election Commission of India's decisions regarding Special Intensive Revisions and voter rolls. Congress workers staged nationwide protests, burning effigies of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanding his resignation alongside leaders across the opposition spectrum. Defending its processes, the poll panel clarified that its ECI NET platform operates with decentralized, secure access limited to authorized officials. However, the opposition has taken the battle to the judiciary and Parliament. A court petition seeks the invalidation of the SIR decisions, restoration of the original Form Six, and prosecution of the CEC, Deputy Election Commissioner, and IT head. Concurrently, opposition parties are preparing a third impeachment notice against the CEC after previous motions were dismissed or held up by parliamentary hurdles. Discussions also touched upon historical dissents within the commission and the political implications currently playing out between the ruling party and the opposition.
A reported internal rift within the Election Commission of India has triggered a political clash between the opposition and the government. Led by Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party and the INDIA bloc have launched nationwide protests demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition is preparing to move an impeachment motion against the CEC in both houses of Parliament, citing reported internal dissent by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over orders concerning the SIR exercise. Protest plans include marches to state election offices, gherao of the CEC's office in Delhi, and effigy burning by the RJD in Bihar. In response, the BJP dismissed the allegations, claiming the opposition is unsettled by anti-incumbency and the electoral revision process. NDA ally Chirag Paswan noted that the poll panel should address public concerns to preserve trust, while the Election Commission confirmed that its operational digital network remains secure with restricted access for authorised field officials.
A major political row has erupted following allegations of vote theft against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, are staging nationwide demonstrations outside state election offices, while the RJD announced plans to burn effigies of the Chief Election Commissioner across Bihar. Sources indicate the opposition bloc plans to pursue impeachment proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the accusations, asserting that the opposition is unnerved by anti-incumbency and administrative electoral revision exercises. The Election Commission clarified that its internal digital platform is decentralized with restricted access for designated election officials and protected by cybersecurity measures. In Goa, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Koyal faced scrutiny over the reported omission of ninety-seven verified voters from the electoral rolls. The broadcast outlined the constitutional procedure required for the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner.
A panel discussion on Democratic Newsroom examines an investigative expose by The Indian Express reporting dissent by two Election Commissioners against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The INDIA bloc is set to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Parliament amid reported internal rifts and objections by two Election Commissioners regarding the SIR exercise.
The opposition INDIA bloc is preparing to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A draft is currently being circulated among Members of Parliament to collect the requisite signatures, requiring support from 100 Lok Sabha MPs and 50 Rajya Sabha MPs. Sources indicate that Parliament does not need to be in session to submit the notice, which is likely to be filed next week. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a press conference at Indira Bhawan alongside senior party leaders to present findings concerning elections conducted in Maharashtra and Haryana.
A press conference addressed opposition allegations regarding voter list deletions and the functioning of the Election Commission of India. Data from twenty West Bengal assembly constituencies was highlighted to counter claims of electoral manipulation through voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision process, noting that opposition parties won a majority of seats where maximum deletions occurred. The address detailed the internal deliberations among the three Election Commissioners, stating that institutional discussions and eventual unanimity in decision-making reflect democratic norms rather than authoritarianism. The briefing reviewed election outcomes across various states since 2014, past appointments of former Chief Election Commissioners, and historical dissent within the commission during previous administrations. Additionally, reference was made to legal proceedings upholding the legality of the Special Intensive Revision process, emphasising reliance on democratic voter participation and constitutional institutions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders have intensified their attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Gandhi termed alleged vote theft as a crime against the Constitution and an act of treason, warning election officials of accountability. Meanwhile, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal demanded action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, calling for the cancellation and re-polling of recent assembly elections conducted following the SIR exercise across Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal, and Delhi. The opposition has also demanded an immediate halt to ongoing electoral roll revisions.
Tensions have flared across the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay following the death of twenty-year-old student Sahil Wakhure, triggering a sharp divide on campus. Sahil's parents have alleged sustained caste-based harassment, slurs, and threats, demanding the arrest of Professor Surya Narayan Dula and Director Shirish Khedare. In contrast, the IIT Bombay faculty forum has supported Professor Dula, maintaining that he was only carrying out his duties after detecting exam malpractice and that no evidence of caste discrimination exists. IIT Bombay management has constituted a ten-member committee to investigate the matter within a week and sent Professor Dula on leave. Meanwhile, the case has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, which has recorded statements from Sahil's parents, friends, and exam hall witnesses, and summoned Professor Dula for questioning. Official parliamentary data cited in the bulletin indicates that forty-five student suicides were reported across twenty-three IITs between 2020 and 2025.
The death of 20-year-old student Sahil Wakhure at IIT Bombay has triggered widespread campus protests and divided the institute community. The deceased student's parents have staged protests alleging severe caste-based harassment, threats, and slurs, demanding the arrest of invigilator Professor Surya Narayan Dula and Director Shirish Khedare. In response, the IIT Bombay faculty forum strongly defended Professor Dula, stating he was merely discharging his duties after reporting exam malpractice and that no evidence of caste bias exists. The investigation has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, which is seeking technical assistance to unlock the student's phone and recording statements from examination hall witnesses and friends. The report also highlights government data submitted in the Lok Sabha revealing 45 student suicides across 23 IITs between 2020-21 and 2024-25, spanning various social categories.
A political confrontation erupted after a disturbing video surfaced from Jamui in Bihar showing the harassment and molestation of two Class 10 students on a road. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi condemned the incident, stating that girls are unsafe in Bihar and calling for strict action under the POCSO Act against the perpetrators. While three accused individuals have been arrested and four remain at large, the opposition attacked the state government over lapses in the law and order situation.
A political controversy erupted following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' student outreach event after comedian Pulkit Mani performed a satirical mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The act satirised the Prime Minister's mannerisms, his interactions with foreign leaders, and an incident where he offered a chair to an elderly woman whom he addressed as mother. The Bharatiya Janata Party attacked the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other leaders accusing the party of insulting women and misleading youth, while demanding Rahul Gandhi quit politics. Defending the event, Congress leaders stated that the performance was political satire and mimicry rather than a serious statement, pointing out the presence of women in the audience who enjoyed the act. The opposition also questioned why similar outrage was absent when Sonia Gandhi faced political insults, as both sides traded fierce charges over political propriety.
