Belonging

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to an open debate on Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and allegations of vote theft. Shah defended the government's electoral reforms during a BJP rally in Hyderabad and criticised the INDIA bloc's ongoing protests against the Election Commission.

Delhi witnessed a major opposition demonstration on November 1 as INDIA bloc leaders marched to Ramlila Maidan under the banner of 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao'. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav questioned the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The BJP and Election Commission rejected the opposition's allegations.

The municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh have witnessed another disturbing incident, with several vehicles reportedly set on fire in Pulivendula town of Kadapa district. The incident has created panic among local residents and raised fresh concerns about law and order during the ongoing electoral process.

Andhra Pradesh is preparing for an important political contest as municipal elections are scheduled to take place on November 1, 2026. The elections are expected to become a major test of political strength between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA alliance and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) schedule in six states and Union Territories, providing additional time for voters and election officials to complete important electoral roll-related procedures. The decision is expected to provide relief to voters who have not completed the required verification process and to officials handling claims, objections and corrections.

Voters and civil society representatives from six states testified at a public hearing in Delhi about deletions from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The hearing highlighted concerns over voter inclusion, documentation requirements and the impact of electoral roll revisions on vulnerable communities.

Women’s representation in Indian politics involves access to elected office, party nominations, campaign resources and participation in decision-making. Constitutional provisions have expanded opportunities in local government, while representation in higher legislatures remains an important subject of public discussion.

India’s anti-defection law sets out circumstances in which elected legislators may face disqualification. Understanding the Tenth Schedule helps readers follow party switching, legislative discipline and constitutional procedures.

INDIA bloc leaders staged a peaceful protest at Rajghat in New Delhi on October 8, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral-roll irregularities. The demonstration followed a lunch meeting hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with Opposition leaders pledging to continue their campaign.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh has criticised the AAP government in Punjab over its education record, saying concerns raised by party MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana over teacher shortages expose the gap between the government's education claims and the situation on the ground.

A tragic incident in Telangana has sparked anger among State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees after a 24-year-old woman bus conductor, Gundla Pravalika, died following an alleged attack by a passenger. The conductor, who was seriously injured after being pushed out of a moving bus during an argument over ticket change, succumbed to her injuries after nearly ten days of treatment.

Karnataka's latest bus fare hike has triggered a political controversy across the state, with opposition parties strongly criticising the Congress government over the increased financial burden on ordinary passengers. The revised fares for state-run transport corporations have come into effect from midnight on November 4, making bus journeys more expensive for thousands of daily commuters.