Nepal protests: Gen Z's blueprint demands new polls, probe into leaders' assets

Sources indicate that the All India Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee faction candidate for Rajinagar will contest elections on a temporary symbol of a football player. This development follows concerns raised regarding party cadre safety and the last-minute alteration of the party name and symbol. Earlier, candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury had expressed apprehension over voter recognition following the sudden administrative changes, alongside allegations that party workers were facing threats and intimidation.

Reports surrounding the potential privatisation of Chennai airport have triggered political controversy, with opposition parties and alliance partners voicing strong objections. State authorities dismissed the speculation, stating that public infrastructure including bus services, railways, and airports must remain under government control to protect public interests and prevent rate hikes. The clarification follows claims regarding official communication with the central government on airport operations, sparking wider criticism over policy decisions alongside recent disputes involving the Parandur airport proposal and proposed secretariat developments.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the DMK, CPI, and AMMK, have voiced strong opposition against the proposed privatisation of Chennai Airport. Opposing parties stated that the airport is vital public infrastructure and not a private enterprise, highlighting its critical role in the state's trade and tourism sectors. Critics noted that the Airports Authority of India generated a net profit of 6,522 crore rupees in the financial year 2026, questioning the need to replace existing public management. Demands have been raised urging authorities to completely abandon the privatisation plan.

High political drama unfolds across West Bengal ahead of the upcoming assembly by-polls. In Rajnagar, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress faction candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury made a dramatic U-turn, deciding to contest the election just hours after announcing the withdrawal of his candidature over party cadre safety concerns and symbol changes. The decision to stay in the fray came after he sought security assurances at the Beldanga Police Station and received outreach from senior party leaders. Meanwhile, in Nandigram, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was produced before the Haldia court following his arrest in four old cases, including murder charges and the Arms Act, shortly after receiving support from Mamata Banerjee's camp. The Congress leadership, led by State Congress President Subhankar Sarkar, strongly backed Pradhan, while party cadres prepared for protests against the sudden police action during the nomination window.