SIR DEBATE
'Mann smelled of alcohol in Parliament by 11 am', Rahul Gandhi launches all-out attack on AAP at Sangrur rally
Rahul Gandhi launched a campaign rally in Sangrur where he criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party for failing to address drug issues. He recalled earlier discussions about Punjab's drug crisis and asserted that AAP made promises but has not delivered results. Gandhi also expressed his disdain for BJP's tactics in Parliament, challenging Prime Minister Modi to debate openly on national issues.
Rahul Gandhi had backed Maoists' unconstitutional 'Janatana Sarkar': Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government was willing to convene a special Parliament session to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, challenging the Opposition to participate. He also accused the Congress of supporting Naxalism and criticised Rahul Gandhi over his alleged backing of Maoist groups.
Sitharaman hits back at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge, says Parliament is the right forum
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to Rahul Gandhi's challenge for a debate by emphasizing the role of Parliament. She criticized Gandhi for not raising issues in the House and instead making them on social media. Sitharaman highlighted the frequent walkouts of Congress during discussions, questioning Gandhi's commitment to a real debate. The Finance Minister also noted a recent mock Parliament event, calling it a mockery of genuine parliamentary procedures.
Govt ready to convene special Parliament session to discuss SIR: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the government was willing to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. His remarks came amid Opposition criticism of the exercise and demands for a discussion on its implementation and implications.
Congress challenges Amit Shah on SIR debate, demands Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh responded to Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about convening a special Parliament session. He demanded that Shah secure the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar before proceeding with any session. Ramesh highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the Delimitation Bills being proposed by the government. He questioned Shah's previous refusal to debate on SIR, emphasizing consistency in addressing electoral issues.
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Accept Amit Shah's challenge to debate SIR in Parliament: JD(U) to Rahul Gandhi
Janata Dal (United) has asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to engage in a debate regarding the SIR exercise. The party believes that accepting Amit Shah's challenge would demonstrate Gandhi's faith in parliamentary democracy. Additionally, JD(U) criticised Gandhi for his comments about Prime Minister Modi's leadership and foreign support. Congress responded by demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Amit Shah dares Rahul Gandhi to debate SIR & EVM in special Parliament session
Union home minister Amit Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi for his allegations against the government regarding electoral integrity. Shah stated that the government is prepared to hold a special session of Parliament to address these issues. He accused Congress of obstructing efforts related to the SIR exercise that aims to remove illegal infiltrators from electoral rolls. Shah confidently claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would dominate the debate if it occurs.
What BJP is doing to blunt Opposition's 'vote chori' charge
SIR news: BJP has initiated a nationwide campaign called 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' to counter opposition protests. Senior leaders will conduct padyatras in various states and challenge the opposition's claims. The campaign addresses the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which is currently under scrutiny. BJP intends to engage with the public through targeted programs, social media, and public meetings.
Once upon a time: How India went from local clocks to one standard time
Who gets to set India’s clock? From railway crashes to Bombay’s rebellion,standardising time meant more than synchronising watches. Vikram Doctor delves into the tock of the town to find what made India tick
INDIA bloc anti-SIR rally march kicks off as thousands gather at Ramlila Maidan; 4,000 cops, 200 cameras deployed
Opposition leaders gathered at Ramlila Maidan for a protest against alleged electoral irregularities in Delhi. Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for shutting down shops in Connaught Place on the day of the rally. The INDIA bloc accused the Election Commission of large-scale voter deletions during the electoral roll revision. Security measures included over 4,000 police personnel and extensive surveillance for the event.
SIR: Extended timelines spark controversy across states
The Election Commission of India plans multiple timeline extensions for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Bihar completed its process quickly, but most other states needed additional time. Delhi has the most extensions, now totaling over 176 days. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are facing delays in finalising their electoral rolls. These prolonged timelines reflect ongoing issues with voter application discrepancies and entry verifications.
INDIA bloc says everyone united in protests, 'public impeachment' of CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday
The opposition grouping announced that it had postponed its "public impeachment" of Kumar to Saturday due to rain on Friday. It invited common people, including the youth, women and students, besides members of civil society to participate in the protest march and public rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday.
Ruling party to step up counteroffensive against INDIA Bloc
BJP is seeking to take the debate beyond rallies by engaging citizens, students and youth on electoral reforms and the SIR exercise. "The Opposition wants to change the regime through anarchy, but the people of India will reject the idea. They believe in a peaceful, democratic process," Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.
Who guards India’s digital gatekeepers?
India has built effective digital systems that facilitate money transfer and identity verification across its diverse population. However, there are ongoing challenges regarding accountability and transparency in government digital platforms. Many argue that mechanisms like competition law may not be suitable for all government services.
GOAT vs BOAT: Messi or Ronaldo? Cristiano beats Lionel to win inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time award - Which CR7 win was voted the best?
In a monumental win, Cristiano Ronaldo has secured the first-ever Ballon d'Or of All Time award, outshining Lionel Messi's eight victories. Fans voted overwhelmingly for Ronaldo's brilliant 2008 campaign as the ultimate individual feat, even as Messi's memorable 2012 season is remembered fondly. This new honor invites a deep dive into the Ballon d'Or's storied past.
Harsh Goenka says Indians' long working hours give country an edge over Europe, Ashneer Grover says it's 'majboori'
Harsh Goenka has sparked a fresh debate on India's work culture after saying that Indians' willingness to work late and through weekends gives the country an edge over Europe. Ashneer Grover disagreed, arguing that longer working hours often reflect necessity rather than choice. The exchange has revived questions about employee salaries, productivity, work-life balance and India's ambitions to compete with global economies.
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 slams Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks against PM Modi, says Congress seems more like 'mafia'
The ruling party's strong reaction followed Kharge's outburst during a function on the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar's first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh, in Patna, where he said that the Congress will send those involved in carrying out alleged irregularities in the SIR process to jail.
Sonam Wangchuk accuses Centre of going back on May understanding, reiterates demand for Ladakh legislature
The May 22 meeting had raised hopes of a democratic framework for Ladakh, Wangchuk said. The representatives had initially sought statehood but, after being told that the region lacked the resources for it, proposed a Union Territory with a legislature and constitutional safeguards, he added.
'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.
Amid Special Intesive Revision, about 20 Chief Election Officers transferred in 20 Months
The Election Commission of India experienced extensive administrative changes with the transfer of chief electoral officers between 2025 and 2026. Nearly 20 CEOs were replaced, marking the highest transfer rate in a short period. Most transferred officials served less than two years in their positions, deviating from the customary tenure of three years. Concurrently, senior officials at the ECI, such as deputy election commissioners, also saw notable reshuffling.
Ranabaali Real Story: When nearly 1 crore died in the Great Madras famine in 1870s. Who were the real Ranabaali and Jayamma?
Is Ranabaali a real story? Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna's Ranabaali draws inspiration from the Great Madras Famine of 1876–78. Here's what history reveals about the famine and the real-life origins of Ranabaali, Jayamma and the film's British antagonist.
Oppn heading for crushing defeat again in 2029 elections, says Amit Shah
Amit Shah criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for engaging in negative politics and losing elections consistently. He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance will secure a significant victory in the upcoming 2029 elections. Shah emphasized the need for Congress to connect with the public and engage in introspection regarding their recent electoral performance. Senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal also mocked Gandhi's behavior and rejected allegations of electoral malpractice.
No takers: Amid SIR tussle, EC's cloud-linked electoral operations hit turbulence
The Election Commission of India is undergoing difficulties related to the contract with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. As the expiration of the contract approaches, the Commission faces operational risks. Discussions are underway to ensure continuity of electoral IT services during the Special Intensive Revision. A tender has raised concerns as the sole qualifying vendor has not met all requirements.
Election Commission faces growing rift with voters, opposition and its own system
The escalating public discontent towards the Election Commission of India is a clear indicator of the increasing distrust surrounding electoral processes. Concerns about their connection with both voters and political parties are on the rise. Additionally, the recent alterations in engagement practices may exacerbate criticism. With transparency being questioned, especially regarding responses to inquiries about its initiatives, addressing these obstacles is crucial for upholding credibility in upcoming elections.
Jantar Mantar no longer a protest site: Where are Delhi’s 3 new protest sites and how far are they from central Delhi?
Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites and named Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi as alternatives. A revised SOP for organising demonstrations at the three venues is expected. Check where these three locations are located in Delhi and how far they are from central Delhi.
'Where is Gyanesh hiding?':Priyank Kharge targets CEC over electoral roll row, alleges manipulation of Form 6 & 7
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has launched a strong critique of the Election Commission of India. Allegations include voter list manipulation and mass deletions targeting specific communities. Protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation continue, representing various political outfits and citizens. Congress leaders have highlighted issues in West Bengal's electoral rolls and procedural deficiencies within the Election Commission.
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