Polling ends in Tamil Nadu with a strong turnout of nearly 70% so far, as over 5.7 crore voters decide the fate of 234 assembly seats. More than 4,000 candidates are in the fray, making it one of the most competitive elections in recent years. While the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam dominate the landscape, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s debut adds a fresh twist to the contest.


Tamil Nadu Records High Voter Turnout in Assembly Elections

Amid Iran conflict, Rep. Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat from Arizona, delivered remarks on the House floor on Monday addressing Jared Kushner’s role during the Trump administration. In her speech, Ansari criticized what she described as ethical concerns surrounding Trump's son-in-law Kushner’s conduct and broader actions taken by the administration. She characterized the situation in strong terms, alleging instances of “naked, open, brazen corruption,” and called for greater scrutiny and accountability.


Congresswoman Ansari Attacks Trump Administration of Naked Corruption

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday carried out searches at multiple locations across Karnataka, including premises linked to the sons of Karnataka Congress MLA N A Haris, in connection with a cryptocurrency-linked money laundering probe.
Officials said searches are being conducted at around 12 premises under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki and other accused persons.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Calls PM Modi a Terrorist, Later Issues a Clarification

Campaigning for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 has come to a close, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah intensified attacks on the DMK, while Chief Minister MK Stalin wrapped up his campaign with a major roadshow in Chennai. Actor-turned-politician Vijay also drew huge crowds in Coimbatore, adding a new dynamic to the race. With the 48-hour silence period kicking in, all eyes are now on polling day.


48-Hour Model Code of Conduct Kicks In: Campaigning Ends, Stage Set for Voting 

Tamil Nadu Polls 2026: PM Modi & Shah Target DMK, Stalin’s Final Show

The United States Congress is facing mounting turmoil as multiple lawmakers come under scrutiny over allegations of misconduct. Growing public and political pressure is fueling demands for accountability and potential removal of those implicated, intensifying the debate around ethics in American politics.


US Congress Scandals: Lawmakers Face Misconduct Allegations, Removal Demanded 

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell said on Monday he will resign from the House of Representatives, bowing to pressure ‌from both Democrats and Republicans to leave Congress or face expulsion following sexual misconduct allegations that upended his campaign for governor.
The California Democrat vowed to fight the allegations but said he must also "take responsibility and ownership" of his mistakes.


US Representative Eric Swalwell Faces Calls To Resign From Congress

Pawan Khera has received temporary relief from the Telangana High Court, which granted him one-week transit anticipatory bail. The Congress leader has been asked to approach the concerned court within this period. The case stems from allegations involving Assam Chief Minister’s wife and passport claims. Khera has termed the case a result of “political vendetta,” adding a fresh twist to the controversy.


Congress Leader Pawan Khera Gets Relief From Telangana HC Amid Passport Row Case

The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued a show cause order in the writ petition filed, calling for the release of CPN (UML) Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from detention. The apex court has also sought a written response from the government over the reasons behind the arrest of Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Oli was detained at his residence on Saturday after the newly elected government decided to implement the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the September 8 and 9 protests and subsequent incidents.


Nepal Supreme Court Questions KP Sharma Oli Detention, Seeks Explanation

Pakistan's terror face has been exposed yet again by a latest report by U.S. Congressional research service. The report not only identified Pakistan as a base for numerous terrorist groups but also nailed their role in carrying out attacks on Indian soil. 


US Congress Report Nails Pakistan's Role in Formenting Terrorism on India

Two Congress party offices in Delhi’s Lutyens’ Zone have been served eviction notices, asking the party to vacate the premises. The move is part of government directives affecting political offices in the high-security area, sparking reactions from party leaders and raising questions about office allocations in the capital.

Congress Served Evacuation Notice for Lutyens’ Zone Offices Amid Government Orders

Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK and Congress have finalised their seat-sharing agreement after intense negotiations that nearly pushed the alliance to the brink. The DMK has allotted 28 Assembly seats to Congress, three more than in 2021, along with a Rajya Sabha berth, securing the alliance as both parties prepare for a crucial electoral battle in the state.


Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: DMK Allots 28 Assembly Seats, One Rajya Sabha Berth To Congress

The DMK and Congress parties have reportedly resolved their differences ahead of upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. According to sources, the DMK is set to announce candidates for two Rajya Sabha seats, marking a renewed understanding between the two allies. Political analysts suggest this resolution could strengthen the coalition’s position at both state and national levels.

DMK, Congress Resolve Differences Ahead of Rajya Sabha Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Democratic leaders for their response to the ongoing Iran conflict, saying they oppose him “whatever I do” and are politicising issues of national security. Trump’s comments come as Democrats in Congress label recent strikes on Iran as “illegal” and push for votes to restrict his war powers, arguing that only lawmakers can authorise military action.


Iran-Israel War | Democrats: Trump's Iran War Without Approval of Congress

Israel‑Iran War: US President Accuses Democrats of Politicising National Security

United States President Donald Trump is set to deliver the first annual State of the Union address of his second term, a traditionally soaring speech where presidents make the case for their leadership before both chambers of Congress.


Donald Trump Set to Deliver His First State of the Union Address in Second Term

Sixty-eight US lawmakers won’t seek reelection before the 2026 midterms, signalling frustration with gridlock, generational change, and strategic repositioning as senior figures retire and others pursue gubernatorial ambitions.


US Lawmakers Step Back From Re-election Ahead of Midterm Elections

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday (Feb 21) called on the central government to immediately pause the Indo-US interim trade framework, citing a recent ruling of the US Supreme Court, which struck down Donald Trump's global tariffs. "We demand that in view of the Supreme Court's decision on the tariff, the Modi government should immediately put the Indo-US framework of interim agreement on hold. Use the clause in the joint statement and renegotiate the deal to eliminate liberalisation of imports in agriculture," Ramesh said, speaking to reporters, ANI reported.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, the Congress leader questioned the timing of the India-US trade deal. In a social media post, Ramesh cited remarks made by the US President after the US Supreme Court ruling. "Yesterday after the US Supreme Court struck down his tariffs policy, President Trump declared that (i) Mr. Modi is his great friend; (ii) the India-US trade deal will continue as announced; (iii) he had personally halted Operation Sindoor on May 10 2025 by threatening to increase tariffs on Indian exports to the US if India did not halt Operation Sindoor," Ramesh wrote on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-absolutely-ashamed-of-certain-members-of-court-trump-lashes-out-at-supreme-court-over-tariff-decision-1771612420264">Trump announces new 10% global tariff; says ‘absolutely ashamed’ of US Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;"On Feb 2 2026, President Trump was the first to announce that the India-US trade deal had been finalised, saying that 'out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, AS PER HIS REQUEST, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, we agreed to a trade deal between the United States and India." He added. Ramesh asked, "What exactly was the compulsion that made Prime Minister Modi ensure that it was President Trump who announced the India-US trade deal on the night of 2 February 2026 (Indian time)? What happened in the Lok Sabha that afternoon that made PM Modi so anxious that he contacted his ‘good friend’ in the White House and created a distracting situation?"&nbsp;The Congress communication chief accused PM Modi of being "so desperate to protect his delicate image" and suggested that if he had "simply waited another 18 days, Indian farmers could have been spared this pain and crisis, and India’s sovereignty could have remained secure". These remarks from the opposition party came after the US Supreme Court on Friday struck down the tariffs Trump had imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), saying it "does not authorise the President to impose tariffs."&nbsp;On February 2, India and the United States agreed on an interim trade framework, bringing down President Trump's punitive tariffs on Indian exports from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.&nbsp;

Ramesh accused PM Modi of being "so desperate to protect his delicate image" and suggested that if he had "simply waited another 18 days, Indian farmers could have been spared this pain and crisis.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday (Feb 21) called on the central government to immediately pause the Indo-US interim trade framework, citing a recent ruling of the US Supreme Court, which struck down Donald Trump's global tariffs. "We demand that in view of the Supreme Court's decision on the tariff, the Modi government should immediately put the Indo-US framework of interim agreement on hold. Use the clause in the joint statement and renegotiate the deal to eliminate liberalisation of imports in agriculture," Ramesh said, speaking to reporters, ANI reported. Earlier in the day, the Congress leader questioned the timing of the India-US trade deal. In a social media post, Ramesh cited remarks made by the US President after the US Supreme Court ruling. "Yesterday after the US Supreme Court struck down his tariffs policy, President Trump declared that (i) Mr. Modi is his great friend; (ii) the India-US trade deal will continue as announced; (iii) he had personally halted Operation Sindoor on May 10 2025 by threatening to increase tariffs on Indian exports to the US if India did not halt Operation Sindoor," Ramesh wrote on X. Also Read: Trump announces new 10% global tariff; says ‘absolutely ashamed’ of US Supreme Court "On Feb 2 2026, President Trump was the first to announce that the India-US trade deal had been finalised, saying that 'out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, AS PER HIS REQUEST, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, we agreed to a trade deal between the United States and India." He added. Ramesh asked, "What exactly was the compulsion that made Prime Minister Modi ensure that it was President Trump who announced the India-US trade deal on the night of 2 February 2026 (Indian time)? What happened in the Lok Sabha that afternoon that made PM Modi so anxious that he contacted his ‘good friend’ in the White House and created a distracting situation?" The Congress communication chief accused PM Modi of being "so desperate to protect his delicate image" and suggested that if he had "simply waited another 18 days, Indian farmers could have been spared this pain and crisis, and India’s sovereignty could have remained secure". These remarks from the opposition party came after the US Supreme Court on Friday struck down the tariffs Trump had imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), saying it "does not authorise the President to impose tariffs." On February 2, India and the United States agreed on an interim trade framework, bringing down President Trump's punitive tariffs on Indian exports from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.

Ramesh accused PM Modi of being "so desperate to protect his delicate image" and suggested that if he had "simply waited another 18 days, Indian farmers could have been spared this pain and crisis.

Immediately pause Indo-US interim trade deal, renegotiate terms: Congress

Congress leader KC Venugopal said the party’s high command will take the final call as signs of strain emerge in Congress-DMK relations. The remarks come amid growing political attention on alliance dynamics in South India.


South India: Congress-DMK Ties Under Strain, High Command To Take Final Call | WION 

The US government has ordered a shutdown of the department of homeland security after congress failed to extend its funding before the midnight deadline. It’s the third partial lapse this session, and it could have real impacts at airports, disaster response agencies, and other critical operations.


DHS Faces Partial Shutdown After Deadline

Newly released DOJ documents have deepened the Epstein Files controversy, revealing a Congresswoman’s search history tied to the investigation. The exposure has sparked intense debate in political and media circles, raising questions about privacy, oversight, and transparency in high-profile investigations. Analysts and legal experts are weighing the implications of these revelations for ongoing proceedings and political accountability. This latest development sheds new light on the Epstein case and the broader scrutiny of lawmakers connected, directly or indirectly, to related inquiries.


Epstein Files LEAK: Congresswoman's Search History Exposed in DoJ Documents

The Kerala Assembly on Tuesday witnessed heated scenes as opposition UDF MLAs attempted to enter the Speaker’s dais as part of their protests against the LDF government over the alleged slow pace of investigation in the Sabarimala gold theft case.


Congress-Led UDF Walks Out Of Kerala Assembly During Question Hour 

The Kerala Assembly on Tuesday witnessed heated scenes as opposition UDF MLAs attempted to enter the Speaker’s dais as part of their protests against the LDF government over the alleged slow pace of investigation in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

Congress-Led UDF Walks Out Of Kerala Assembly During Question Hour

Political speculation is growing in Tamil Nadu after Rahul Gandhi received an invitation linked to actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Congress-DMK Seat Sharing Tussle Continues

Former Vice President Hamid Ansari has sparked a new controversy by saying that Mahmud Ghazni was not a foreign invader but an Indian looter, resulting in a strong backlash on social media and from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP leaders shared video clips of the interview in which Hamid Ansari says, “Log apni kitabon mein chhaptwate hain…koi Lodi aaye, koi Ghazni aye… par yeh sab toh Hindustani lootere the, ye baahar se nahi aye the…(You publish in your books about Lodi and Ghazni coming to invade…all of them were Indian looters, they didn’t come from outside.)”“It’s politically convenient to say that they demolished this or that… but they did not come from outside India,” Ansari stressed.&nbsp;Hamid Ansari was a member of the Congress party before being nominated Vice President in 2007.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After calling Sharjeel and Umar Khalid as Yuva Now CONGRESS ECOSYSTEM AND Hamid Ansari eulogise Ghazni who destroyed &amp; desecrated Somnath Mandir Congress ecosystem eulogises Mahmud of Ghazni…they oppose Somnath Swabhiman Parv.. they whitewash crimes of Aurangzeb and those… <a href="https://t.co/YUeXxI4Jrs">pic.twitter.com/YUeXxI4Jrs</a>&mdash; Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shehzad_Ind/status/2017080348593836033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The BJP countered the remarks and asked the Congress party whether its leadership agrees with Ansari’s views on the brutal raider.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-sunetra-pawar-will-she-become-ncp-chief-and-maharashtra-s-deputy-cm-1769777577972">Who is Sunetra Pawar? Will she become NCP chief and Maharashtra’s deputy CM</a><h2>‘Congress eulogising Hindu haters, whitewashing atrocities’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Reacting to the remarks by Hamid Ansari, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala accused the Congress party of always eulogising Hindu haters and whitewashing their atrocities.“The Congress ecosystem always eulogises Hindu haters. Whoever attacks or commits atrocities on Hindus is always subjected to whitewashing by the Congress ecosystem. Now, Hamid Ansari says that Ghazni was not a cruel person. Ghazni was just an Indian... Even if the person is doing tukde tukde of India, whether it’s Sharjeel, Yaqub, Afzal, or Umar, they stand in support of such elements. It shows the Hindu hatred they have in their minds,” Poonawala said.&nbsp;“Now CONGRESS ECOSYSTEM AND Hamid Ansari eulogise Ghazni who destroyed &amp; desecrated Somnath Mandir. Congress ecosystem eulogises Mahmud of Ghazni…they oppose Somnath Swabhiman Parv.. they whitewash crimes of Aurangzeb and those who did atrocities on Hindus !,” Poonawalla said in a post on X, referring to the Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of the Somnath Temple in 1026.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stem-cell-therapy-for-autism-is-unethical-medical-malpractice-supreme-court-1769771630269">‘Stem cell therapy for autism is unethical, medical malpractice,’ says Supreme Court</a><h2>‘Mahmud Ghazni demolished Hindu temples, murdered thousands of people’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan also condemned Ansari’s comments and questioned whether the Congress leadership and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi agree with his views on the brutal raider. He accused the Congress party of whitewashing the brutal raids of Mahmud Ghazni, who demolished Hindu temples and murdered thousands of people.Kesavan also pointed out that the Islamic invasions of India, starting from the 8th century, systematically targeted sacred Hindu landmarks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&#39; Ghazni was not a foreign invader, he was Indian&#39; ! Indeed shocking remarks by former Vice President Shri. Hamid Ansari ji, who was the Congress led UPA govt’s choice for the post of Vice President, not once but twice. Does the Congress leadership and LOP Rahul Gandhi agree with… <a href="https://t.co/9xXPk8SLea">pic.twitter.com/9xXPk8SLea</a>&mdash; C.R.Kesavan (@crkesavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/crkesavan/status/2017101166099017908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-powell-says-unnecessary-high-interest-rates-hurting-economy-national-security-1769702026051">Trump slams Powell, says unnecessary high interest rates hurting economy, national security</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharing the video clip of Ansari on X, Kesavan said, “Ghazni was not a foreign invader, he was Indian!” Indeed shocking remarks by former Vice President Hamid Ansari, who was the Congress-led UPA government’s choice for the post of Vice President, not once but twice. Does the Congress leadership and LOP Rahul Gandhi agree with such whitewashing of mercenary brutal raids as mere domestic acts, which demolished Hindu temples and murdered thousands?”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/economic-survey-flags-rising-digital-addiction-among-kids-youth-in-india-will-govt-put-curbs-1769688736105">Economic Survey flags rising digital addiction among kids, youth in India. Will govt put curbs?</a>&nbsp;“The barbaric Mahmud Ghazni raided India 17 times in the 11th century, ravaging the Mathura temple and breaking the Somnath Temple’s Jyotirlinga. Does Nehru’s Congress, which vehemently opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, agree with these remarks trying to normalise such brutality which was aimed at annihilating the very foundations of our Sanatan Sanskriti,” Kesavan asked.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused the Congress party of whitewashing the brutal raids of Mahmud Ghazni, who demolished Hindu temples and murdered thousands of people. He said the Islamic invasions of India, starting from the 8th century, systematically targeted sacred Hindu landmarks.

Former Vice President Hamid Ansari has sparked a new controversy by saying that Mahmud Ghazni was not a foreign invader but an Indian looter, resulting in a strong backlash on social media and from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP leaders shared video clips of the interview in which Hamid Ansari says, “Log apni kitabon mein chhaptwate hain…koi Lodi aaye, koi Ghazni aye… par yeh sab toh Hindustani lootere the, ye baahar se nahi aye the…(You publish in your books about Lodi and Ghazni coming to invade…all of them were Indian looters, they didn’t come from outside.)” “It’s politically convenient to say that they demolished this or that… but they did not come from outside India,” Ansari stressed. Hamid Ansari was a member of the Congress party before being nominated Vice President in 2007.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused the Congress party of whitewashing the brutal raids of Mahmud Ghazni, who demolished Hindu temples and murdered thousands of people. He said the Islamic invasions of India, starting from the 8th century, systematically targeted sacred Hindu landmarks.

Ghazni ‘not foreign invader, but Hindustani looter,’ says ex-VP Hamid Ansari, sparks row

The Congress party urges ally DMK to fast-track alliance talks ahead of the upcoming elections, as negotiations over seat-sharing remain tense. Congress leaders express optimism, citing Rahul Gandhi’s support as a boost to their campaign strategy. The alliance is crucial for consolidating votes in key constituencies.

Congress-DMK Seat Sharing Tussle Continues Ahead of Upcoming Elections

India’s political landscape is heating up as the Congress party urges its ally DMK to fast-track alliance talks ahead of upcoming elections.

India Elections 2026: Congress Pushes DMK for Early Alliance Decision

Shashi Tharoor met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in Parliament amid reports of internal discord. The Thiruvananthapuram MP dismissed rift speculation, insisting Congress leaders are moving together on the same page despite recent criticism and political chatter.


Tharoor On Being CM Candidate For Kerala: Focused On Being An MP 

Nepali Congress and CPN-UML dominated Nepal’s National Assembly elections, jointly sweeping 17 of 18 seats, with the Nepali Congress emerging as the largest party in the Upper House following the January 25 polls.


Nepal Election: Nepali Congress & CPN-UML Alliance Sweeps Upper House Polls

Nepal Election: Nepali Congress Wins Eight, CPN-UML Wins Seven Seats

congress

Congress, News on Congress, stories on Congress, articles on Congress, Congress stories at Wion, Congress news, Congress latest news