DEMOCRACY
'I feel so happy!': Ecstasy, relief among Brazil's Lula supporters
Thousands of Brazilians celebrated Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s presidential election victory over right-wing rival Flavio Bolsonaro in Sao Paulo, waving national flags and chanting slogans. Lula secured 51.8% of the vote against Bolsonaro’s 48.2%, with supporters hailing the result as a victory for democracy, workers and minorities.
ECI's summary revision signals a shift from exclusion to inclusion
The Commission has ordered the SSR in 17 states with reference to January 1, 2027, including Assam and the five poll-bound states. Final rolls are scheduled for publication in first week of January, just ahead of National Voters' Day, which has come to symbolise voter participation in democracy. The announcement that remaining states will undergo the SSR once they fully close SIR process provides assurance that this annual revision under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act will have a normal run, albeit with varied scheduling.
BJP plans nationwide push to counter campaign against SIR
The strategy is being worked out as INDIA bloc, including Congress, prepares to intensify their campaign against SIR and demand the removal of the CEC, including a proposed rally in Delhi on November 1. BJP is now looking to move beyond responding to Opposition's allegations and take the fight directly to the people, with senior leaders expected to lead the campaign across states.
Be picky about your desi-abroad pride
Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American political contender, faces criticism for his contentious campaign advertisement targeting Amy Acton. This ad showcases deeply personal allegations from Acton's estranged mother, stirring ethical debates. Ramaswamy's commitment to investing heavily in this ad, despite his party's disapproval, poses difficult questions about the intersection of Indian pride and controversial political tactics. We must celebrate diaspora success without ignoring detrimental behaviors in the community.
Amit Shah to join 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' padyatra in Karnal on November 5; Haryana BJP President confirms
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will partake in a foot march in Karnal on November 5. This initiative is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign to raise awareness about electoral processes and voter lists. The campaign will include public outreach programs and foot marches across various districts. Preparation for the event involves collaboration between party officials and supporters at the local level.
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Around 5,000 J-K Congress workers to attend 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' rally in Delhi
Around 5,000 Congress members from Jammu and Kashmir are gearing up for a significant national rally at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi, on November 1. This rally, part of the 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' initiative, aims to confront issues of alleged electoral manipulation, with party officials asserting that the government is compromising the electoral integrity through its control over the Chief Election Commissioner.
Congress cites ex-SC judge's memoir to flag 'serious questions' on independence of judiciary under Modi govt
The Congress has questioned judicial independence under the Modi government, citing a yet-to-be-released memoir by former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. Jairam Ramesh flagged reported concerns over government involvement in judicial appointments and the reassignment of a bench hearing a money laundering law case.
Rahul Gandhi reiterates call for mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1
Rahul Gandhi has announced a 'Save the Vote - Save the Country Jan March' rally in New Delhi on November 1. This event aims to protest against the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists and alleged voter list irregularities. Various opposition leaders, including those from the INDIA bloc, support this initiative and are mobilizing participants for the rally.
INDIA bloc to hold 'public impeachment' of CEC on October 30
On October 30, the opposition INDIA Bloc plans to conduct a public impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This event will feature a mock Parliament with all opposition MPs and leaders present at Hotel Ashok. Following this, a 'Dilli Chalo march' to Ramlila Maidan is scheduled for November 1 to protest against vote irregularities.
CM Naidu, YSRCP trade charges over 'violence' during Andhra local body polls
N Chandrababu Naidu accused YSRCP of attempting to disrupt local body elections through violence and criminal activities. He alleged that YSRCP members created disturbances and intimidated candidates in various locations. Naidu claimed YSRCP was spreading fake propaganda and had filed fake litigations in court. In response, YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu asserted the ruling government was undermining democracy and facilitating violence.
Rahul Gandhi bent on holding protest on November 1 to toy with Sikh sentiments: BJP on rally against 'vote chori'
The BJP has criticised the Congress over the INDIA bloc's planned rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on November 1, with BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad accusing Rahul Gandhi of hurting the sentiments of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Congress has said the rally will protest alleged irregularities by the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
United in driving 'vote chors' out of power: Congress reviews preparations for INDIA bloc rally
Congress leaders are organizing a significant rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 to oppose electoral fraud. The rally is part of a larger mobilization aiming to gather one million participants from across the country. Key leaders from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana convened to strategize for the event and emphasize unity among opposition parties. The event aims to put pressure on the government regarding the alleged vote chori issue.
Raihan Vadra row deals another blow to India's global image as freedom-loving democracy: Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the removal of photographs from Raihan Vadra’s exhibition at Bikaner House, calling it censorship that could damage India’s global reputation as a freedom-loving democracy. The controversy has drawn reactions from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the venue’s administration, which cited its exhibition policy for seeking the removal.
India’s Gen Z: In world's largest democracy, an electoral wildcard
India’s Gen Z population is sizeable, but its electoral influence will depend on voter eligibility, registration, turnout and constituency-level preferences. Experts explain why young Indians may not vote as a unified bloc, what Tamil Nadu’s 2026 election reveals about youth mobilisation, and why predicting their impact in 2029 remains difficult.
INDIA bloc to fight for restoration of Jantar Mantar as protest venue: CPI's D Raja
The Communist Party of India is fighting against the denotification of Jantar Mantar for protests. The INDIA bloc asserts that citizens need a designated space to express opposition. Delhi Police has provided alternative locations for holding protests and demonstrations. BJP leaders criticised the Congress for its allegations regarding electoral irregularities and questioned their integrity. The opposition's strategy is viewed as a political convenience based on their electoral outcomes.
INDIA bloc leaders to hold online meeting on Thursday, roadmap for 'vote chori' protests on agenda
An online meeting of the INDIA bloc is scheduled for Thursday evening to plan protests regarding the vote chori issue. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will lead the meeting and review rally preparations for November 1. Recently, opposition leaders and activists protested against electoral roll irregularities, which escalated to the Supreme Court. Rahul Gandhi hosted leaders for tea to discuss continuing the protest efforts against vote theft.
India’s protests are a domestic matter, says Marco Rubio, backs democratic process
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the term 'UN experts' and declined to comment on India's internal issues. He emphasized that political matters should be decided by the Indian people through democratic processes. India has rejected allegations made by UN experts regarding human rights abuses during protests, advocating for evidence-based discussions. Indian diplomat Barkha Tamrakar stated that human rights should not be used for political pressure against countries.
It is state-sponsored terrorism: Mamata Banerjee over extension of custody of 2 CJP leaders
Mamata Banerjee has accused central authorities of state-sponsored terrorism regarding the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das. She claims their treatment is a threat to democracy and demands their immediate release. Ranka and Das were remanded to judicial custody after alleged protest actions at Jantar Mantar. The CJP has raised concerns about delayed bail proceedings and insufficient reasons for bail rejection.
"Strong India is not good for our own enemies": Rajeev Chandrasekhar backs Mohan Bhagwat's remarks
Rajeev Chandrasekhar supported Mohan Bhagwat's comments regarding the potential risks associated with protests in India. He noted that India's post-COVID recovery has been commendable compared to other nations. Chandrasekhar raised concerns about societal unrest that might impede the nation's progress. He criticized Sanjay Raut for promoting chaos and urged a commitment to democratic principles.
'Spare India from anarchy': Indian-origin students, academicians condemn anti-EC protests
Over 400 Indian-origin students and researchers from 27 countries have condemned the opposition protests against the Election Commission. They argue that these protests undermine public confidence in constitutional institutions and threaten democratic processes. The signatories stated that democracy in India is resilient and has shown the ability to adapt and thrive. The joint statement emphasizes the importance of resolving differences through constitutional means rather than protests.
No Kings Instagram lockout: Meta claims Claude AI tool triggered suspension of pro-democracy account
Meta's Instagram erroneously suspended the No Kings Coalition's account due to an AI-triggered surge in requests. This unexpected downtime lasted around 90 minutes, interrupting vital protests. Following a review, the account was reinstated, highlighting a significant miscommunication. The No Kings Coalition criticized Meta for the impact on their messaging, urging the company to enhance its error prevention mechanisms. Meta has since acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret for the disruption.
People Against SIR calls for Oct 23 marches, demands Parliament impeach CEC Gyanesh Kumar
People Against SIR will conduct nationwide protests on October 23 to seek electoral reforms and restoration of voting rights. The platform accuses Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of violating constitutional obligations and changing electoral processes without parliamentary approval. Protesters aim to draw attention to the alleged disenfranchisement of 13.41 crore citizens through the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
'Regime Change is forceful and undemocratic': BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticized supporters of violent protests, asserting their goals are often related to regime change. He emphasized that such actions are forceful and undemocratic, urging believers in democracy to resist anarchists. Bhandari's comments followed remarks from various public figures discussing regime change amid ongoing protests. The protests were sparked by allegations concerning electoral roll irregularities.
Jagan Mohan Reddy demands 'President's Rule' in Andhra Pradesh over alleged Municipal Nominations violence
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has demanded the imposition of President's Rule in Andhra Pradesh amid serious political violence. He accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of creating a breakdown of law and order. Reddy suggested that opposition candidates faced severe intimidation and violence while attempting to file nominations for local elections. He reported numerous incidents of violence throughout various districts in the state.
'Regime change' remark clearly exposes opposition's agenda: BJP chief Nitin Nabin
BJP president Nitin Nabin accused the opposition of trying to destabilise the country by colluding with foreign powers. Nabin said the use of terms such as "regime change" clearly exposes the opposition's agenda. He said that power in a democracy is established through the mandate of the people. Opposition leader Prashant Bhushan said the government contends to misrepresent their intentions to challenge the leadership.
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