Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart Lal Krishna Advani was taken to Apollo Hospital on Friday evening following a chest infection. Hospital officials said the 98-year-old leader is receiving treatment and his condition remains stable, Hindustan Times reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;Advani was admitted at around 7.30 pm and is being treated by the hospital’s pulmonary department.This is not the first time the veteran politician has been hospitalised this year. He was admitted to the same facility in May for age-related health issues and was discharged after spending a few days under medical care.&nbsp;The latest development comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Advani at his residence in New Delhi on October 7.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ankita-bhandari-murder-case-parents-meet-cbi-seek-impartial-investigation-1792175230656">Ankita Bhandari murder case: Parents meet CBI, seek impartial investigation</a>&nbsp;One of the founding leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lal Krishna Advani has played a significant role in shaping India's political landscape over several decades. Although he has stepped away from active politics in recent years, his contributions to public life continue to be widely recognised.&nbsp;Advani served as India's Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 and held the Union Home Minister's portfolio from 1998 to 2004.&nbsp;In recognition of his contributions, he received the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. In March 2024, he was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, 98, was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi with a chest infection on Friday evening, and his condition remains stable as he undergoes treatment.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart Lal Krishna Advani was taken to Apollo Hospital on Friday evening following a chest infection. Hospital officials said the 98-year-old leader is receiving treatment and his condition remains stable, Hindustan Times reported. Advani was admitted at around 7.30 pm and is being treated by the hospital’s pulmonary department. This is not the first time the veteran politician has been hospitalised this year. He was admitted to the same facility in May for age-related health issues and was discharged after spending a few days under medical care. The latest development comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Advani at his residence in New Delhi on October 7. Also Read: Ankita Bhandari murder case: Parents meet CBI, seek impartial investigation One of the founding leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lal Krishna Advani has played a significant role in shaping India's political landscape over several decades. Although he has stepped away from active politics in recent years, his contributions to public life continue to be widely recognised. Advani served as India's Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 and held the Union Home Minister's portfolio from 1998 to 2004. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. In March 2024, he was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, 98, was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi with a chest infection on Friday evening, and his condition remains stable as he undergoes treatment.

BJP veteran LK Advani hospitalised in Delhi with chest infection

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi made a series of sensational claims at a press conference in New Delhi, where he demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. From claiming that 200 govt officials were in touch with the Opposition to a signal at Cockroach Janta Party-led protesters, the Congress MP sharpened his attack on the Centre.


Delhi protests: LoP Rahul Gandhi demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation

India's opposition parties are marching to the Supreme Court in Delhi to demand the resignation of the election chief over alleged voter fraud.

This will be the latest in a series of demonstrations in Delhi, with thousands of security forces deployed and roads barricaded in the capital.


CJP protests: Congress leaders to file plea over electoral irregularities

The BJP Mahila Morcha staged a protest in Delhi as the INDIA bloc prepared for its march towards the Supreme Court. The demonstrations come amid the ongoing political row over the CJP protests and the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Political activity in the national capital remains in focus as both sides hold protests.

Delhi Protest: BJP Mahila Morcha stages protest amid INDIA Bloc's Supreme Court march

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 25 years in public office on Wednesday, October 7, renewing his call to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Addressing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha in New Delhi, Modi urged Indians to adopt a “We Will Do It” mindset while outlining ambitious national goals.

PM Modi's developed India pledge: Will not stop, will not quit | 25 years of PM Modi

In a major rejig, the BJP announced eight candidates for the coming Rajya Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh, while dropping all sitting MPs, including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. With UP Assembly elections now few months away, the BJP chose to strike a balance between castes and indicating the possibility of an election on at least one seat on October 16.&nbsp;Union Minister of State BL Verma has also been dropped, while the rumours of former Union Minister Smriti Irani having been picked proved to be false.&nbsp;The BJP announced the names of state minister Dharampal Singh, lawyer Radhakant Ojha, State OBC Morcha president Prakash Pal, former MP Vidyasagar Sonkar, Gopi Krishna Pandey, former MP Priyanka Singh Rawat, party state general secretary Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar’s daughter Shruti Gangwar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">भारतीय जनता पार्टी की केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति ने उत्तर प्रदेश में होने वाले राज्यसभा द्विवार्षिक चुनाव 2026 हेतु निम्नलिखित नामों पर अपनी स्वीकृति प्रदान की है। https://t.co/8TB5Bp8VGM&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://x.com/BJP4India/status/2107044804739960978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>BJP candidates to file nomination tomorrow for Oct 16 election</h2> Elections are due on October 16 for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, and BJP, the ruling party in the state, is certain to win seven seats while it is also pushing for an eighth. The Samajwadi Party has already named two candidates and is likely to field a third also, claimed sources. All eight candidates will file their nomination in Lucknow at 11.30 am on Tuesday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state party chief Pankaj Chaudhary will be present on the occasion. “Heartfelt congratulations to all the esteemed candidates announced today. Infinite best wishes for the historic victory of each one of you,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in a post on X. <h2>BJP strikes caste and regional balance ahead of key state assembly election</h2> The BJP has kept the upcoming state assembly polls in mind and has done a balancing act between the key castes and communities. It has fielded three candidates from the OBC category, 3 from General and two from the Scheduled Castes. The general category list includes two Brahmins and one Rajput. Minister Dharampal Singh belongs to the Lodh community, while Ramakant Ojha and Gopi Krishna Pandey represent the Brahmin community. Prakash Pal is the president of the party’s OBC Morcha in UP, while Shruti Gangwar also belongs to the OBC community. Vidyasagar Sonkar and Priyanka Rawat are from the Dalit community, while Ram Singh Chauhan is a Thakur. The BJP has also ensured regional balance, as Dharmpal Singh and Ram Pratap Chauhan are from the West UP and Braj regions, while Shruti Gangwar is from Rohilkhand.Gopi Krishna Pandey and Vidyasagar Sonkar are from Purvanchal; Prakash Pal hails from Kanpur-Bundelkhand region, and Radhakant Ojha is from Prayagraj. Ojha is also the bar council head in Prayagraj. On the basis of its numerical strength, the victory of all eight BJP candidates is considered certain. Similarly, the victory of two SP candidates, Ramgopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, is also assured. Ten Rajya Sabha seats are falling vacant in Uttar Pradesh, eight of which are currently held by the BJP, while the SP and the BSP hold one each.

Elections are due on October 16 for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, and BJP, the ruling party in the state, is certain to win seven seats while it is also pushing for an eighth. The Samajwadi Party has named two candidates and is likely to field a third also.

In a major rejig, the BJP announced eight candidates for the coming Rajya Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh, while dropping all sitting MPs, including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. With UP Assembly elections now few months away, the BJP chose to strike a balance between castes and indicating the possibility of an election on at least one seat on October 16. Union Minister of State BL Verma has also been dropped, while the rumours of former Union Minister Smriti Irani having been picked proved to be false. The BJP announced the names of state minister Dharampal Singh, lawyer Radhakant Ojha, State OBC Morcha president Prakash Pal, former MP Vidyasagar Sonkar, Gopi Krishna Pandey, former MP Priyanka Singh Rawat, party state general secretary Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar’s daughter Shruti Gangwar.

Elections are due on October 16 for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, and BJP, the ruling party in the state, is certain to win seven seats while it is also pushing for an eighth. The Samajwadi Party has named two candidates and is likely to field a third also.

BJP drops Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and 7 other sitting MPs from UP Rajya Sabha poll list

Blood, broken glass and accusations of a knife attack marked a chaotic Sunday at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, after a programme by an RSS-affiliated consumer group erupted into a campus-wide brawl that left students besieged inside their own institute for hours, chased into the library, and at least two hospitalised with serious injuries. This came just weeks after a similar clash rocked Jadavpur University.&nbsp;&nbsp;The trouble began after the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) held a programme in the institute’s main auditorium, which it had booked with the administration’s permission. Some students objected to a private organisation holding a meeting inside a government educational institution. They went to the auditorium and staged a protest, raising slogans.&nbsp;The ABGP is part of the broader Sangh Parivar affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is also the ideological parent body of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;According to the SRFTI Students’ Union, neither the union nor the wider student body had been informed that the event was taking place. Around 2 pm, students went to put up posters questioning why the auditorium had been given over to the group without their knowledge. ABGP members allegedly confronted them and tried to force them out, and the situation quickly turned physical.&nbsp;Students said they were called "anti-national," "urban Naxals" and "terrorists," and that ABGP members — some of whom chased protesters into the library, where a librarian was also allegedly assaulted — attacked them with fists, stones, bricks and sticks.&nbsp;Women students were allegedly manhandled, and some students claimed a knife was used in the assault. The union said students not even involved in the protest were chased down, and that professors were harassed as well.&nbsp;The students’ union said in a statement, “Several students took shelter inside the library. Members of the group followed them there as well, and the librarian was also physically harassed. The library was surrounded, leaving students and staff trapped inside their own institution in a frightening situation.”&nbsp;The ABGP president Pankaj Roy countered by saying that its members were assaulted by the students.&nbsp;It added that it had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent. “We booked the hall by paying ₹15,000 in rent and obtaining permission from the authorities. Our organisation primarily works on consumer protection and creating awareness among consumers. But an attempt was made to disrupt our meeting. Pictures of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda were torn down. Four people have already been admitted to the hospital. All the students are intoxicated there.”&nbsp;&nbsp;At least 27 people were taken for treatment, including 25 to Desun Hospital, including teachers and students, of whom four were discharged after first aid and two were admitted with serious injuries; two others with minor injuries were treated and released at KPC Medical Hospital.&nbsp;As word spread, students blocked the campus gates and stopped a bus carrying alleged RSS supporters, while bricks and bottles were hurled from outside.&nbsp;Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Arindam Sarkar, later detained a man students identified as main accused, though the union alleged officers were instead noting down complainants' details, raising fears of intimidation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The police eventually signed the students’ complaint and assured them that the matter would be investigated. The van then left the campus. After 8 pm, the crowd outside the gate also began to thin.&nbsp;The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) distanced itself from the incident, calling any attempt to link it to the organisation “factually incorrect and misleading” and urging an impartial inquiry before conclusions are drawn.&nbsp;SRFTI’s new vice-chancellor, who was due to visit the campus on October 1, rushed to Kolkata from Delhi on Sunday after learning of the violence and went straight to the campus after landing.&nbsp;West Bengal BJP’s spokesperson Debjit&nbsp; Sarkar reacted by calling the students “dimagi naxal”. He tweeted on X, “A programme depicting Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda in Bengal is now a "communal" programme. How these naxals are kicking, spitting and tearing down the picture of Swami Vivekananda.”&nbsp;&nbsp;West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee State president Subhankar Sarkar condemned what he called rampage by RSS-backed miscreants, invoking Satyajit Ray's own film Hirak Rajar Deshe as a warning against suppressing education and independent thought. He said the incident reflects an attempt to intimidate progressive voices and undermine free thinking in educational institutions, drew a parallel to the Gajendra Chauhan appointment row at FTII, and demanded a thorough investigation.&nbsp;Filmmaker Indranil Roychowdhury, who also teaches at the institution, described the incident as concerning. He said, “The incident is very worrying. From the images I have seen, the students were brutally beaten. Whatever may have happened, they cannot enter the students’ own campus and beat them like this. If something was objectionable, there were certainly ways to inform the authorities.”

ABGP president Pankaj Roy said its members were assaulted by the students. He added that ABGP had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent.

Blood, broken glass and accusations of a knife attack marked a chaotic Sunday at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, after a programme by an RSS-affiliated consumer group erupted into a campus-wide brawl that left students besieged inside their own institute for hours, chased into the library, and at least two hospitalised with serious injuries. This came just weeks after a similar clash rocked Jadavpur University. The trouble began after the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) held a programme in the institute’s main auditorium, which it had booked with the administration’s permission. Some students objected to a private organisation holding a meeting inside a government educational institution. They went to the auditorium and staged a protest, raising slogans. The ABGP is part of the broader Sangh Parivar affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is also the ideological parent body of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to the SRFTI Students’ Union, neither the union nor the wider student body had been informed that the event was taking place. Around 2 pm, students went to put up posters questioning why the auditorium had been given over to the group without their knowledge. ABGP members allegedly confronted them and tried to force them out, and the situation quickly turned physical. Students said they were called "anti-national," "urban Naxals" and "terrorists," and that ABGP members — some of whom chased protesters into the library, where a librarian was also allegedly assaulted — attacked them with fists, stones, bricks and sticks. Women students were allegedly manhandled, and some students claimed a knife was used in the assault. The union said students not even involved in the protest were chased down, and that professors were harassed as well. The students’ union said in a statement, “Several students took shelter inside the library. Members of the group followed them there as well, and the librarian was also physically harassed. The library was surrounded, leaving students and staff trapped inside their own institution in a frightening situation.” The ABGP president Pankaj Roy countered by saying that its members were assaulted by the students. It added that it had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent. “We booked the hall by paying ₹15,000 in rent and obtaining permission from the authorities. Our organisation primarily works on consumer protection and creating awareness among consumers. But an attempt was made to disrupt our meeting. Pictures of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda were torn down. Four people have already been admitted to the hospital. All the students are intoxicated there.” At least 27 people were taken for treatment, including 25 to Desun Hospital, including teachers and students, of whom four were discharged after first aid and two were admitted with serious injuries; two others with minor injuries were treated and released at KPC Medical Hospital. As word spread, students blocked the campus gates and stopped a bus carrying alleged RSS supporters, while bricks and bottles were hurled from outside. Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Arindam Sarkar, later detained a man students identified as main accused, though the union alleged officers were instead noting down complainants' details, raising fears of intimidation. The police eventually signed the students’ complaint and assured them that the matter would be investigated. The van then left the campus. After 8 pm, the crowd outside the gate also began to thin. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) distanced itself from the incident, calling any attempt to link it to the organisation “factually incorrect and misleading” and urging an impartial inquiry before conclusions are drawn. SRFTI’s new vice-chancellor, who was due to visit the campus on October 1, rushed to Kolkata from Delhi on Sunday after learning of the violence and went straight to the campus after landing. West Bengal BJP’s spokesperson Debjit Sarkar reacted by calling the students “dimagi naxal”. He tweeted on X, “A programme depicting Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda in Bengal is now a "communal" programme. How these naxals are kicking, spitting and tearing down the picture of Swami Vivekananda.” West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee State president Subhankar Sarkar condemned what he called rampage by RSS-backed miscreants, invoking Satyajit Ray's own film Hirak Rajar Deshe as a warning against suppressing education and independent thought. He said the incident reflects an attempt to intimidate progressive voices and undermine free thinking in educational institutions, drew a parallel to the Gajendra Chauhan appointment row at FTII, and demanded a thorough investigation. Filmmaker Indranil Roychowdhury, who also teaches at the institution, described the incident as concerning. He said, “The incident is very worrying. From the images I have seen, the students were brutally beaten. Whatever may have happened, they cannot enter the students’ own campus and beat them like this. If something was objectionable, there were certainly ways to inform the authorities.”

ABGP president Pankaj Roy said its members were assaulted by the students.&nbsp;He added that ABGP had lawfully rented the hall and was holding a legitimate event when students tore down its posters and banners and turned violent.

After JU, clash erupts at SRFTI: BJP’s ‘Dimagi Naxal’ jibe sparks political firestorm after students protest RSS-linked event

The controversy began on August 26 after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) advised keeping non-vegetarian food away from Durga Puja pandals, saying it was necessary to preserve the festival’s “sanctity.”

BJP says food choices are a matter of individual preference

Dhirendra Shastri: Keep non-veg food away from puja venues 

A former Aam Aadmi Party leader has launched a sharp attack on the party, alleging irregularities linked to the deletion of a name from a draft voter list. The dispute has triggered a fresh political row, with accusations of internal favouritism and questions over the handling of electoral records.


Ex-AAP leader lashes out at his former party for name 'deletion' in draft voter list 

A fierce political battle has erupted in Uttarakhand over an alleged "shuddhikaran" (purification) ritual conducted at a venue in Haldwani after a rally addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Congress leaders have termed the act discriminatory and linked it to caste prejudice, while the BJP has rejected the allegations and accused the opposition of politicizing the issue.


BJP and Congress engage in political slugfest over alleged 'purification' ritual

A fresh political battle has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the BJP questioned Chief Minister Vijay's handling of Cauvery-related projects and public spending. The party claimed that while a local dam project cost ₹4.8 crore, the Chief Minister's visit to the region allegedly cost nearly ₹5 crore. BJP leaders have dubbed Vijay the "Costly Chief Minister" and demanded answers on governance priorities, water management and the use of public funds.


BJP targets CM Vijay over Cauvery spending, calls him 'costly chief minister'

Srinagar witnessed a heated political confrontation as the BJP and the National Conference staged rival protests against each other. BJP workers gathered at the iconic Ghanta Ghar, accusing the Jammu and Kashmir government of "misrule" and demanding accountability. In response, the National Conference organized counter-protests, including demonstrations outside the BJP's Jawaharnagar office.


BJP and National Conference stage rival protests in Jammu & Kashmir's Srinagar

Political showdown in Srinagar: BJP and National Conference take battle to the streets 

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has sparked fresh controversy after making a "bull vs pig" comparison targeting BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), triggering sharp backlash. The remark has fueled an already bitter war of words between Congress and BRS in the state. The BJP has now stepped in, demanding a public apology from Revanth Reddy over the jibe, calling it unbecoming of a chief minister's office. This adds to a long list of controversial remarks Revanth has made against KCR and BRS leaders in recent months.


Revanth Reddy's 'bull vs pig' jibe at KCR sparks row, BJP demands apology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's stronger-than-expected 7.8% real GDP growth in Q1 FY2026–27, stating the impressive figures have exposed the "jhooth ki goonj" (echo of lies) spread by political critics. Highlighting key growth drivers like a 9.2% surge in manufacturing, the Prime Minister celebrated the nation's economic resilience despite ongoing global headwinds. Alongside celebrating the economic milestone, PM Modi reinforced his "Swadeshi" push, calling on citizens to support domestic growth by avoiding unnecessary gold purchases and foreign leisure trips. 

India development report: BJP hails 7.8% growth in April-June quarter

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded the immediate registration of an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in a shuddhikaran or purification ritual in Uttarakhand after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's visit.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Gandhi said the incident reflected the BJP and RSS mindset towards Dalits. He alleged that the two organisations did not want Dalits to progress, live with dignity or achieve success.&nbsp;"We are demanding justice for the Congress president. Give the Congress president justice in Uttarakhand. It is the duty of the central and state governments to ensure that Kharge gets justice," he said.&nbsp;Gandhi accused those involved in the ritual of practising untouchability and said the act suggested that Dalits were being treated as impure.&nbsp;"The BJP people practice untouchability. When they do shuddhikaran, they say that Dalits cannot touch as they are impure," Gandhi said.&nbsp;He also accused Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt of defending the purification ritual. Gandhi said around 20 days had passed since the alleged incident, but no action had been taken.&nbsp;"We demand that an FIR be lodged against those who have done this. PM Modi states that he belongs to every caste and is the prime minister of the country, but his party chief of Uttarakhand defends shuddhikaran," Gandhi said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-admit-that-us-sanctions-affecting-tehran-s-economy-here-s-what-he-said-1788003944885">Did Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian admit that US sanctions affecting Tehran's economy? Here's what he said</a>&nbsp;Gandhi reiterated that the ritual violated the SC/ST Act and demanded immediate action against those allegedly responsible.&nbsp;"This act violates the SC/ST Act. Performing a 'purification' ritual is a crime. Yet, no action has been taken. Therefore, we demand that an FIR be registered immediately against those who carried out this purification ritual in Uttarakhand," Gandhi said.&nbsp;The Congress leader also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim of representing people from every caste, pointing to the Uttarakhand BJP leadership's defence of the purification ritual."The Prime Minister claims to belong to every caste and to be the Prime Minister of all of India. Yet, the state chief of his party states that the purification was justified," Gandhi said.&nbsp;He called on the Prime Minister to direct authorities to register an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in the incident.&nbsp;"We want the Prime Minister to immediately order the registration of an FIR against these individuals under the SC/ST Act. It is the duty of both the State Government and the Central Government to ensure that Kharge ji receives justice in Uttarakhand," he said.&nbsp;Earlier, Kharge raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha this month. He demanded that cases be registered under the law against untouchability against those allegedly involved and called for their arrest.&nbsp;Leader of the House and Union minister J P Nadda had said the BJP did not support such activities and that the incident would be investigated.

Rahul Gandhi demanded an immediate FIR under the SC/ST Act over the alleged purification ritual at the venue of Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, and urged PM Modi to ensure justice.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded the immediate registration of an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in a shuddhikaran or purification ritual in Uttarakhand after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's visit. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Gandhi said the incident reflected the BJP and RSS mindset towards Dalits. He alleged that the two organisations did not want Dalits to progress, live with dignity or achieve success. "We are demanding justice for the Congress president. Give the Congress president justice in Uttarakhand. It is the duty of the central and state governments to ensure that Kharge gets justice," he said. Gandhi accused those involved in the ritual of practising untouchability and said the act suggested that Dalits were being treated as impure. "The BJP people practice untouchability. When they do shuddhikaran, they say that Dalits cannot touch as they are impure," Gandhi said. He also accused Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt of defending the purification ritual. Gandhi said around 20 days had passed since the alleged incident, but no action had been taken. "We demand that an FIR be lodged against those who have done this. PM Modi states that he belongs to every caste and is the prime minister of the country, but his party chief of Uttarakhand defends shuddhikaran," Gandhi said. Also Read: Did Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian admit that US sanctions affecting Tehran's economy? Here's what he said Gandhi reiterated that the ritual violated the SC/ST Act and demanded immediate action against those allegedly responsible. "This act violates the SC/ST Act. Performing a 'purification' ritual is a crime. Yet, no action has been taken. Therefore, we demand that an FIR be registered immediately against those who carried out this purification ritual in Uttarakhand," Gandhi said. The Congress leader also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim of representing people from every caste, pointing to the Uttarakhand BJP leadership's defence of the purification ritual. "The Prime Minister claims to belong to every caste and to be the Prime Minister of all of India. Yet, the state chief of his party states that the purification was justified," Gandhi said. He called on the Prime Minister to direct authorities to register an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those allegedly involved in the incident. "We want the Prime Minister to immediately order the registration of an FIR against these individuals under the SC/ST Act. It is the duty of both the State Government and the Central Government to ensure that Kharge ji receives justice in Uttarakhand," he said. Earlier, Kharge raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha this month. He demanded that cases be registered under the law against untouchability against those allegedly involved and called for their arrest. Leader of the House and Union minister J P Nadda had said the BJP did not support such activities and that the incident would be investigated.

Rahul Gandhi demanded an immediate FIR under the SC/ST Act over the alleged purification ritual at the venue of Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, and urged PM Modi to ensure justice.

‘PM Modi must order FIR’: Rahul Gandhi demands SC/ST Act case over Haldwani purification row

The political crisis in Karnataka has escalated sharply as the opposition BJP mounts intense pressure on Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's administration over the multi-crore Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.


BJP: Nagendra diverted funds from Dalit Valmiki Corporation

Delays in monthly financial assistance under West Bengal’s Annapurna Yojana have triggered protests and a political clash between the ruling BJP and opposition TMC. The dispute has intensified over the delay in payments and the impact on beneficiaries awaiting financial support.

Annapurna Yojana Payment row triggers political clash 

The political row over Vande Mataram has intensified as the BJP passes a resolution targeting the Congress over its position on the national song.

The BJP says it will launch a nationwide awareness campaign highlighting the history and significance of Vande Mataram, with a special focus on young people. The party has also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s views as part of its campaign.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended the party’s existing practice regarding the national song and national anthem at Congress functions.

Vande Mataram row: BJP slams Congress for reaffirming its 1937 resolution

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will launch a month-long nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years in public office, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said on Saturday (August 22).&nbsp;The announcement came after BJP national president Nitin Nabin chaired a high-level meeting with the party's newly appointed national office bearers at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. The meeting focused on grassroots strategies and plans to connect with young people.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters after the meeting and a workshop involving state presidents and organisational general secretaries, Tawde said the new campaign would build on the BJP's annual 'Seva Pakhwada' held around Modi's birthday on September 17.&nbsp;"Every year, the Bharatiya Janata Party observes Seva Pakhwada across the country around the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17. Modi ji's personality is such that he is engaged in service every moment. Naturally, for the past few years, the BJP has been observing Seva Pakhwada around September 17," Tawde said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-nia-court-to-send-summons-to-hafiz-saeed-through-mea-1787403360406">Pahalgam terror attack: NIA court to send summons to Hafiz Saeed through MEA</a><h2>BJP plans nationwide service campaign</h2>The campaign will be held under the banner of 'Seva Sankalp Mahotsav' and will run for a month across the country. It will include public service and welfare activities such as sanitation drives, blood donation camps, tree plantation programmes and health camps.&nbsp;Tawde said this year's campaign has added significance as October 7 will mark 25 years since Modi took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001.&nbsp;"This year, there is a coincidence that on October 7, 2001, Narendra Modi took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. This October 7 will mark 25 years of that occasion. Therefore, the BJP has decided that while we observe Seva Pakhwada around his birthday, keeping this 25-year milestone in mind, we will conduct a month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan across the country," he said.&nbsp;He said the programme would include several activities focused on the spirit of service, along with initiatives that the BJP traditionally organises during Seva Pakhwada.&nbsp;"Modi ji's personality has the spirit of service as an important element. Keeping that in mind, there will be several activities throughout this campaign. The programmes that the party conducts during Seva Pakhwada will also be undertaken," he said.<h2>Seva Setu to help beneficiaries</h2>Tawde also outlined the 'Seva Setu Abhiyan', which will focus on people who may have missed out on government welfare schemes because of documentation or other difficulties.&nbsp;"If someone has been left out of any scheme started during Prime Minister Modi's tenure, there should be an opportunity for that person to access the benefit. Under the Seva Setu Abhiyan, for 15 days, at the block level, people from the departments concerned with various schemes will remain present along with the necessary documents," Tawde said.&nbsp;The initiative will provide an opportunity for eligible people to seek access to benefits under various government schemes with officials and required documents available at the block level.

The BJP will launch a month-long nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public office, with service activities and initiatives to help people access government welfare schemes.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will launch a month-long nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years in public office, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said on Saturday (August 22). The announcement came after BJP national president Nitin Nabin chaired a high-level meeting with the party's newly appointed national office bearers at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. The meeting focused on grassroots strategies and plans to connect with young people. Speaking to reporters after the meeting and a workshop involving state presidents and organisational general secretaries, Tawde said the new campaign would build on the BJP's annual 'Seva Pakhwada' held around Modi's birthday on September 17. "Every year, the Bharatiya Janata Party observes Seva Pakhwada across the country around the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17. Modi ji's personality is such that he is engaged in service every moment. Naturally, for the past few years, the BJP has been observing Seva Pakhwada around September 17," Tawde said. Also Read: Pahalgam terror attack: NIA court to send summons to Hafiz Saeed through MEA BJP plans nationwide service campaign The campaign will be held under the banner of 'Seva Sankalp Mahotsav' and will run for a month across the country. It will include public service and welfare activities such as sanitation drives, blood donation camps, tree plantation programmes and health camps. Tawde said this year's campaign has added significance as October 7 will mark 25 years since Modi took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001. "This year, there is a coincidence that on October 7, 2001, Narendra Modi took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. This October 7 will mark 25 years of that occasion. Therefore, the BJP has decided that while we observe Seva Pakhwada around his birthday, keeping this 25-year milestone in mind, we will conduct a month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan across the country," he said. He said the programme would include several activities focused on the spirit of service, along with initiatives that the BJP traditionally organises during Seva Pakhwada. "Modi ji's personality has the spirit of service as an important element. Keeping that in mind, there will be several activities throughout this campaign. The programmes that the party conducts during Seva Pakhwada will also be undertaken," he said. Seva Setu to help beneficiaries Tawde also outlined the 'Seva Setu Abhiyan', which will focus on people who may have missed out on government welfare schemes because of documentation or other difficulties. "If someone has been left out of any scheme started during Prime Minister Modi's tenure, there should be an opportunity for that person to access the benefit. Under the Seva Setu Abhiyan, for 15 days, at the block level, people from the departments concerned with various schemes will remain present along with the necessary documents," Tawde said. The initiative will provide an opportunity for eligible people to seek access to benefits under various government schemes with officials and required documents available at the block level.

The BJP will launch a month-long nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public office, with service activities and initiatives to help people access government welfare schemes.

BJP announces nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark PM Modi's 25 year in public office

A political storm has erupted after Congress reaffirmed it will stick to its 1937 resolution, singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party functions, even as the Centre now mandates the complete version at official events. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision "anti-national," accusing Congress of reviving "appeasement politics" that he claims paved the way for Partition. BJP chief Nitin Nabin went further, branding Congress the "new Muslim League" and saying it had "formalised its insult into a resolution."

Political row erupts as Congress adopts 1937 Vande Mataram version 

A political storm has erupted after Congress reaffirmed it will stick to its 1937 resolution, singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party functions, even as the Centre now mandates the complete version at official events. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision "anti-national," accusing Congress of reviving "appeasement politics" that he claims paved the way for Partition. BJP chief Nitin Nabin went further, branding Congress the "new Muslim League" and saying it had "formalised its insult into a resolution."


Vande Mataram row: Amit Shah slams Congress over two-stanza national song stand 

The BJP has announced a major reshuffle of its national organisation, naming 13 national vice presidents and 16 national secretaries. The revamped core team brings fresh faces into key organisational roles as the party prepares for its next phase of political mobilisation. 


BJP unveils major reshuffle, names 13 vice presidents and 16 secretaries 

The BJP government in West Bengal has completed its first 100 days in office, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's administration highlighting what it calls an unprecedented pace of governance and delivery. The government says it has focused on welfare schemes, infrastructure, law and order, and administrative reforms during its opening months. Supporters hail the progress, while critics continue to scrutinize the government's performance.


BJP government completes 100 days in West Bengal

BJP names 13 national vice presidents & 16 national secretaries in a major reshuffle

The vast majority of the core leaders appointed by the ruling BJP in its latest organisational reshuffle have deep and foundational ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Out of the total 65 names of office-bearers announced on Monday, 51 are new. Eleven of the 14 vice presidents and seven of the eight general secretaries have been associated with the RSS in the past. This is significantly higher than the previous national executive setup under JP Nadda, which had a fair share of technocrats and turncoats. An attempt which is being seen by many as cultivating ideological discipline ahead of the upcoming assembly election.The right-wing Hindu organisation is the foundational, ideological parent of the ruling BJP. The party acts as the mainstream political vehicle that translates its core Hindutva ideology into state policy, electoral manifestos and governance. Ties between the two saw turmoil as the BJP government pushed for free-market reform. RSS advocates "swadeshi" or economic self-reliance and expressed dissatisfaction to those reforms.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-organisational-reshuffle-smriti-irani-ram-madhav-amit-malviya-1786961277946">BJP reshuffle: Smriti Irani returns as general secretary, Ram Madhav as VP; Amit Malviya dropped from IT Cell</a>Key inclusions are Ram Madhav as National Vice President, retaining BL Santhosh as National General Secretary (Organisation), Sunil Bansal as National General Secretary, Vinod Tawde as National General Secretary, Satish Poonia as National General Secretary, and Deepak Mhaskey as Social Media Head.&nbsp;Ram Madhav is a hardcore RSS ideologue who served as a full-time RSS pracharak and later became a spokesperson for the RSS. Now he is deputised in the BJP. Though faces like Piyush Goyal and Smriti Irani represent the pure political and governance wing of the party, the inclusion of &nbsp;Ram Madhav as a National Vice President directly scales the hardline ideological core of RSS in decision-making.&nbsp;BL Santhosh, a veteran RSS pracharak, is in a powerful structural post; he is the formal link between the political party and the ideological wing. Similarly, the exclusion of Amit Malviya has been another major story. Nitin Nabin is stamping his authority over the party image. The new appointee, Mhaske, himself transitioned into politics from an academic background, but his family had deeply rooted Sangh ties. His brother, Tej Pratap Mhaske, is a known RSS functionary.&nbsp;This is significant because, along with media, public rallies, and the political arithmetic of ticket distribution, there is something in the BJP that Congress or other political parties do not possess. It is the Sangh Parivar network, the invisible, highly disciplined army of the BJP's election machinery. They create micro-level cells, where local daily Shakhas transform into "Panna Pramukh" or “page-in-charge” during elections. Each volunteer micro-manages just one page of the voter list, addressing local scepticism and convincing families to vote. It gives granular accountability for silent voter mobilisation in the form of a relentless door-to-door campaign. So inducting more RSS ideologues is a structural replacement, ensuring not just control, but more cohesive communication in executing key policies, schemes and programmes of the party, facilitating that invisible network.&nbsp;

The BJP’s latest reshuffle brings in several leaders with deep RSS ties, signalling a stronger ideological core and tighter organisational coordination under Nitin Nabin.

The vast majority of the core leaders appointed by the ruling BJP in its latest organisational reshuffle have deep and foundational ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Out of the total 65 names of office-bearers announced on Monday, 51 are new. Eleven of the 14 vice presidents and seven of the eight general secretaries have been associated with the RSS in the past. This is significantly higher than the previous national executive setup under JP Nadda, which had a fair share of technocrats and turncoats. An attempt which is being seen by many as cultivating ideological discipline ahead of the upcoming assembly election. The right-wing Hindu organisation is the foundational, ideological parent of the ruling BJP. The party acts as the mainstream political vehicle that translates its core Hindutva ideology into state policy, electoral manifestos and governance. Ties between the two saw turmoil as the BJP government pushed for free-market reform. RSS advocates "swadeshi" or economic self-reliance and expressed dissatisfaction to those reforms. Also Read: BJP reshuffle: Smriti Irani returns as general secretary, Ram Madhav as VP; Amit Malviya dropped from IT Cell Key inclusions are Ram Madhav as National Vice President, retaining BL Santhosh as National General Secretary (Organisation), Sunil Bansal as National General Secretary, Vinod Tawde as National General Secretary, Satish Poonia as National General Secretary, and Deepak Mhaskey as Social Media Head. Ram Madhav is a hardcore RSS ideologue who served as a full-time RSS pracharak and later became a spokesperson for the RSS. Now he is deputised in the BJP. Though faces like Piyush Goyal and Smriti Irani represent the pure political and governance wing of the party, the inclusion of Ram Madhav as a National Vice President directly scales the hardline ideological core of RSS in decision-making. BL Santhosh, a veteran RSS pracharak, is in a powerful structural post; he is the formal link between the political party and the ideological wing. Similarly, the exclusion of Amit Malviya has been another major story. Nitin Nabin is stamping his authority over the party image. The new appointee, Mhaske, himself transitioned into politics from an academic background, but his family had deeply rooted Sangh ties. His brother, Tej Pratap Mhaske, is a known RSS functionary. This is significant because, along with media, public rallies, and the political arithmetic of ticket distribution, there is something in the BJP that Congress or other political parties do not possess. It is the Sangh Parivar network, the invisible, highly disciplined army of the BJP's election machinery. They create micro-level cells, where local daily Shakhas transform into "Panna Pramukh" or “page-in-charge” during elections. Each volunteer micro-manages just one page of the voter list, addressing local scepticism and convincing families to vote. It gives granular accountability for silent voter mobilisation in the form of a relentless door-to-door campaign. So inducting more RSS ideologues is a structural replacement, ensuring not just control, but more cohesive communication in executing key policies, schemes and programmes of the party, facilitating that invisible network.

The BJP’s latest reshuffle brings in several leaders with deep RSS ties, signalling a stronger ideological core and tighter organisational coordination under Nitin Nabin.

BJP reshuffle sees stronger RSS presence in key organisational positions

The BJP has announced a major party reshuffle nine months after Nitin Nabin took over as the party President. BL Santhosh retained his critical position as the National General Secretary (Organisation). The new team has 12 women, with Smriti Irani and Vasundhara Raje among them. Smriti Irani made a high-profile comeback as National General Secretary, and Ram Madhav as National Vice President. Amit Malviya has been dropped as the IT Cell chief and replaced by Chhattisgarh leader Deepak Mhaskey."With a blend of experience and energy, this team will give new momentum to the organisation under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri&nbsp; @narendramodi Ji," said BJP President Nitin Nabin.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ugc-net-june-2026-re-exam-english-commerce-sociology-1786901941880">UGC-NET June 2026: NTA orders re-exam for English, Commerce and Sociology on September 9-10</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the newly appointed office bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s National Team. With a blend of experience and energy, this team will give new momentum to the organisation under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri… <a href="https://t.co/JaNKozwo4H">pic.twitter.com/JaNKozwo4H</a>&mdash; Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) <a href="https://x.com/NitinNabin/status/2089291401507025280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who are the key office bearers?</h2>The BJP has included 13 Vice Presidents, including Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Tirath Singh Rawat, Ram Madhav, Baijyant Jay Panda, D Purandeshwari, Rekha Verma, Varshaben Narendrabhai Doshi, Bharti Pravin Pawar, Manpreet Singh Badal, Lal Singh Arya, M. Nagaraja, Tariq Mansoor and Madhuchandra Kar.&nbsp;The party has announced eight National General Secretaries, retaining Vinod Tawde and Sunil Bansal. The list includes Smriti Irani, Biplab Kumar Deb, Satish Poonia, Gajendra Patil, Sanjay Bhatia and Harish Diwedi to be among the National General Secretaries.The party also appointed 16 National Secretaries, with former AAP leader Sandeep Pathak and former Congress leader Rohan Gupta among the list. The complete list includes Kavita Patidar K. Surendran, Kerala, Dr Bhola Singh, Dr Pradip Varma, Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel, Phangnon Konyak, Sangeeta Yadav, Anil Antony, Dr M Venkateshan, Manoj Tigga, Siddharth Shambhu, Dr Swadesh Singh, Mriganka Deo Barman, Jai Prakash.Piyush Goyal to be the National Treasurer and Rajesh Mangal to be the Joint Treasurer. Tarun Chugh has been named Central Office In-charge, and Mahendra Pandey as Central Office Secretary.The party has also appointed heads of various morchas. Dr Hemang Joshi will head the Yuva Morcha, Roop Kumari Choudhary the Mahila Morcha, Amarpal Maurya the OBC Morcha, Bansilal Gurjar the Kisan Morcha, Shivesh Kumar Ram the SC Morcha, Mannalal Rawat the ST Morcha and Kunwar Basit Ali the Minority Morcha. These appointments will come into effect immediately.&nbsp;

BJP announces major organisational reshuffle under Nitin Nabin. Smriti Irani returns as National General Secretary, while Ram Madhav is named National Vice President.

The BJP has announced a major party reshuffle nine months after Nitin Nabin took over as the party President. BL Santhosh retained his critical position as the National General Secretary (Organisation). The new team has 12 women, with Smriti Irani and Vasundhara Raje among them. Smriti Irani made a high-profile comeback as National General Secretary, and Ram Madhav as National Vice President. Amit Malviya has been dropped as the IT Cell chief and replaced by Chhattisgarh leader Deepak Mhaskey. "With a blend of experience and energy, this team will give new momentum to the organisation under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji," said BJP President Nitin Nabin. Also Read: UGC-NET June 2026: NTA orders re-exam for English, Commerce and Sociology on September 9-10

BJP announces major organisational reshuffle under Nitin Nabin. Smriti Irani returns as National General Secretary, while Ram Madhav is named National Vice President.

BJP reshuffle: Smriti Irani returns as general secretary, Ram Madhav as VP; Amit Malviya dropped from IT Cell

Student protests in Jharkhand are intensifying over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, with student leaders escalating their demands against the state government.

Protest leaders have announced plans to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi across all 24 district headquarters. They have also warned of a major mobilisation at the Chief Minister’s residence if their demands are not addressed.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), along with a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.

The protest has also drawn political confrontation, with Congress defending the government’s handling of the situation while accusing the BJP of politicising the issue. Meanwhile, the state government says it remains committed to transparency in recruitment examinations and has launched initiatives seeking students’ suggestions on improving education.


Jharkhand protests: Student-govt talks set for August 17

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found hanging inside a party office in the state's Birbhum district on Sunday morning.

He was an ex-minister and also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat, having represented the constituency for 25 consecutive years from 2001 to 2026. Banerjee, however, lost the seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's Dhruba Saha in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls.

Ex-Bengal deputy speaker Asish Banerjee found dead

A political row has broken out after a video from Congress headquarters showed Sonia Gandhi making hand gestures during the full rendition of "Vande Mataram" on Independence Day. BJP alleges she and Rahul Gandhi tried to halt the complete six-stanza version, calling it disrespectful to the national song, especially as 2026 marks its 150th anniversary.


Political storm erupts over Vande Mataram: BJP questions Sonia's gestures at Congress HQ 

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