Wednesday, July 1

Politics

Analysis: Hanuman Beniwal Makes a Bold Political Move from Nagaur Ahead of Panchayat Polls – 5 Key Takeaways
Politics, Rajasthan, State

Analysis: Hanuman Beniwal Makes a Bold Political Move from Nagaur Ahead of Panchayat Polls – 5 Key Takeaways

Nagaur: As Rajasthan gears up for the upcoming Panchayat and municipal elections, political activity in Nagaur has intensified. Hanuman Beniwal, MP and national convenor of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), has made a significant political play ahead of the polls by focusing on farmers’ issues. The party has stepped up preparations for a grand farmers’ rally scheduled on January 10 in Riyambadi. Here are five key aspects of Beniwal’s latest political strategy: 1. Administrative Approval Sought for RallyAn RLP delegation, including party workers and farmer representatives, met Sub-Divisional Officer Suryakant Sharma to seek permission for the rally on January 10. The delegation informed officials that Hanuman Beniwal would address the public in support of farmers. Given the expected ...
Language Clash at the Border: Karnataka and Kerala Lock Horns Over Malayalam as Mandatory First Language
Karnataka, Politics, State

Language Clash at the Border: Karnataka and Kerala Lock Horns Over Malayalam as Mandatory First Language

Bengaluru / Kerala: The Kerala government’s proposal to make Malayalam the mandatory first language in schools located in Karnataka-border districts has sparked a fierce controversy. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has vowed to oppose the move in every possible manner, calling it an imposition on linguistic minorities. The proposal comes under the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, which mandates that students from Class 1 to 10 in border schools must study Malayalam as their first language. Critics fear this will disadvantage Kannada-speaking students in Kasaragod district, who have traditionally learned Kannada as their primary language. Karnataka CM voices strong oppositionSiddaramaiah, in a scathing social media post, emphasized that language is more than just a subject—it repr...
“Land-for-Job” Scam: Lalu Prasad Yadav and Family Caught in Major Corruption Case
Bihar, Politics, State

“Land-for-Job” Scam: Lalu Prasad Yadav and Family Caught in Major Corruption Case

Patna: The “Land-for-Job” scandal has delivered a major blow to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. A court has now formally framed charges in the case, implicating Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi, daughter Misa Bharti, and sons Tej Pratap and Tejashwi Yadav. The Allegations Lalu Prasad Yadav, during his tenure as Railway Minister in the UPA-1 government (2004–2009), is accused of accepting land in exchange for jobs in the Railway Department. The scandal primarily concerns Group D recruitments, where it is alleged that Lalu manipulated the selection process and demanded land as a bribe for securing employment. According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet, the Lalu family allegedly acquired land at seven different locations through these illegal dealings, involving...
The Dark Politics of Congress That Ousted Bihar CM Bhola Paswan Shastri: A Historical Account
Bihar, Politics, State

The Dark Politics of Congress That Ousted Bihar CM Bhola Paswan Shastri: A Historical Account

Patna, January 9, 2026: On this day in 1972, the government of Bhola Paswan Shastri, a towering leader in Bihar, fell due to the intrigues and internal machinations of the Congress party. Shastri, who served as Bihar Chief Minister three times, was first chosen as an independent legislator—a rare occurrence in the state’s political history. His final day as acting CM was January 9, 1972, following betrayal and political pressures orchestrated by Congress. Independent Leader Amidst Political TurbulenceShastri became Chief Minister for the third time on June 2, 1971, as an independent legislator with minimal numbers. At the time, Congress treated him as a puppet CM, and internal conflicts forced him to resign on December 27, 1971. However, he continued as acting CM until January 9, 1972, ...
Prominent Left Face Regi Lukas Joins BJP, Says CPI(M)’s Deteriorating Ideology Not Good for Kerala
Kerala, Politics, State

Prominent Left Face Regi Lukas Joins BJP, Says CPI(M)’s Deteriorating Ideology Not Good for Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, January 9, 2026: In a significant political shift, well-known Left supporter and frequent TV debate participant Regi Lukas formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. He was welcomed at the state BJP headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram by Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Citing ‘Deteriorating Ideology’ of the LeftRegi Lukas, who has actively supported Left ideology for the past 13 years through debates, articles, and political discussions, said he has realized that the “deteriorating ideas” of the Left and the CPI(M) are not beneficial for Kerala’s future. He expressed concern that if outdated Leftist policies continue, Kerala risks turning into “a care home for the elderly”, stifling development and progress. Lukas said he was influen...
Jaishankar Deflects Question in Pune, Shows Loyalty to PM Modi
Nation, Politics

Jaishankar Deflects Question in Pune, Shows Loyalty to PM Modi

Pune: During a public event in Pune, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was asked whether India needs “just one Jaishankar” to handle its diplomatic challenges. In a witty and insightful reply, he turned the question around, saying, “You should really be asking whether there is ‘just one Modi,’ because, after all, a diplomat… like Lord Hanuman, ultimately serves Lord Rama.” Jaishankar’s remark has been widely interpreted as a demonstration of his trust and dedication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the close alignment between India’s top diplomat and the Prime Minister in navigating the country’s foreign policy.
New Urmila Sunawar Audio Sparks Political Fire in Uttarakhand; CM Dhami Demands Opposition Apologize Over Ankita Case
Politics, State, Uttarakhand

New Urmila Sunawar Audio Sparks Political Fire in Uttarakhand; CM Dhami Demands Opposition Apologize Over Ankita Case

Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s political climate has taken a heated turn following the release of a new audio clip involving former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore from Jwalapur, Haridwar, and actress Urmila Sunawar. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has hit back at the opposition, demanding a public apology over their handling of the Ankita Bhandari murder case. CM Dhami’s Strong Response Speaking to the media at the Forest Headquarters on Rajpur Road, CM Dhami questioned why the opposition, which previously organized protests based on older Rathore-Sunawar audio clips, has remained silent after the emergence of the new recording. He alleged that political and social groups must act responsibly toward society and criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation. “The previous audio led to...
Live: Major Verdict in ‘Land-for-Job’ Scam – Every Update on Lalu, Tejashwi, and Tej Pratap Yadav
Bihar, Politics, State

Live: Major Verdict in ‘Land-for-Job’ Scam – Every Update on Lalu, Tejashwi, and Tej Pratap Yadav

Land-for-Job Case: In a high-profile case from Bihar, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi delivered its verdict today in the ‘land-for-job’ scam. The case, registered by the CBI, had its judgment scheduled for 9 January 2026, as previously announced by the judge. Case Background RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, his son Tejashwi Yadav, daughter-in-law Rabri Devi, and others faced allegations in the case. The charges stem from the UPA era in 2009, when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister. The prosecution alleged that candidates seeking railway jobs were required to transfer land to Lalu’s family or associates in exchange for employment. Today’s court proceedings focused on establishing the veracity of these allegations. Live Updates from the Court 10:00 AM: Misa Bharti left her...
JP Nadda’s Bengal Visit: ‘Kamal Will Bloom in Bengal,’ Vows BJP Chief Ahead of Elections
Gujarat, Politics, State

JP Nadda’s Bengal Visit: ‘Kamal Will Bloom in Bengal,’ Vows BJP Chief Ahead of Elections

Ahmedabad/Vadodara: Ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda delivered a strong message, asserting that the lotus—BJP’s election symbol—will bloom in the state. Speaking in an aggressive tone, Nadda targeted Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) while highlighting the party’s success in implementing central schemes in other states. Targeting States That Delayed Ayushman BharatAddressing a public event during his Bengal visit, Nadda said there were three states that initially resisted the central government’s flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme. The first was Odisha, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had rejected it. The second was Delhi, where Arvind Kejriwal had initially opposed it. Nadda emphasized that in both states...
“BJP Is Power-Hungry, Uses Hindutva Only for Show,” Uddhav Thackeray Launches Major Attack Ahead of BMC Polls
Maharashtra, Politics, State

“BJP Is Power-Hungry, Uses Hindutva Only for Show,” Uddhav Thackeray Launches Major Attack Ahead of BMC Polls

Mumbai: Ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of being driven solely by a hunger for power. Thackeray alleged that the BJP only uses Hindutva as a facade and is willing to go to any extent to remain in power. He also asserted that the next Mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi. Targeting BJP HardIn an interview with a regional news channel on Thursday, Thackeray said that while the BJP presents itself as a “pro-Hindutva party,” in reality, it is motivated by power. He referred to the history of the Jana Sangh, saying the party joined the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement late and left early for its own benefit. Thackeray further claimed that opportunism is embedde...