Shemin Joy

Opposition unity: BJP dominance and INDIA bloc cohesion are central as Dipankar Bhattacharya says Indian democracy depends on multi party system and ideological cooperation among opposition forces highlighting multi party unity against BJP rule now.

Congress: CPI(ML)L called it a malicious lie after Congress alleged its MLAs cross-voted in the Jharkhand Rajya Sabha election. Dipankar Bhattacharya wrote to Mallikarjun Kharge, urging leaders to avoid claims that hurt INDIA bloc ties.

Rivals refer to his closeness with the BJP leadership and cite several instances, including the voting on the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 last year.

TMC has moved Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking disqualification of 20 rebel MPs. Abhishek Banerjee said the lawmakers violated the Tenth Schedule by seeking a separate identity and backing a merger with NCPI.

CJP founder Abhijit Dipke announced an indefinite sit-in at Jantar Mantar despite police objections, demanding the education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. He later sought a fresh protest venue as supporters continued demonstrations in Delhi.

Strongly arguing for making the right to vote a fundamental right, Congress on Sunday said it will be a "powerful step" in putting in place “safeguards against voter suppressions or arbitrary disqualifications” that happened under the SIR and would mean greater Supreme Court vigilance over the functioning of the Election Commission.

An Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report reveals women make up just 10.2% of poll candidates despite the 33% quota law passage.

Congress appears to be moving fast to tie the loose ends in its Punjab unit with top leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday holding separate discussions with five senior leaders from the state, amid speculation about a change in state leadership ahead of the Assembly elections early next year.

Cockroach Janta Party's protest at Delhi's dharna hotspot Jantar Mantar entered second day on Sunday with its founder Abhijeet Dipke bringing the Prime Minister on the line of fire, saying that Narendra Modi will be considered the "most incompetent PM" if he does not sack Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Women accounted for only around 10% candidates in 2024 Lok Sabha and 20 Assembly elections held after passing the 33% women's quota law, but this number could have plunged further deep if independents and candidates from registered unrecognised parties did not enter the fray.