TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee softened his stance on party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, calling him "like my son" after previously labeling him "arrogant." This comes amid an internal party crisis following electoral defeat and a rebellion by a faction of MPs and MLAs.
Kerala Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating his political approach weakens the INDIA alliance and benefits the BJP. Vijayan noted that other non-Congress parties also raised objections during a meeting regarding the Congress's stance.
Rebel TMC MPs plan to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek recognition as the "real TMC" parliamentary group, with dissident MP Jagadish Chandra Basunia claiming 19 MPs have signed a representation. This move has drawn strong reactions from the Mamata Banerjee faction, with Abhishek Banerjee accusing the BJP of trying to create rifts. Meanwhile, rebel MLAs in the Bengal assembly also claim to have gained support.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP's control over state institutions, including the legal system, bureaucracy, intelligence agencies, and the Election Commission, stating that elections are no longer free and fair. He also condemned PM Modi's silence on US ship attacks that killed three Indians.
The Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's plea challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, citing a settled principle that election disputes cannot be entertained after the poll process begins.
Several Trinamool MPs are expressing willingness to support the NDA, prompting the BJP to strategize. The BJP is prioritizing the formation of the new West Bengal government and is not rushing to accommodate rebel MPs, who may face legal battles for party recognition. The party is considering accommodating Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Shekhar Roy.
Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has attacked rebel MPs, stating they must resign and contest on a BJP ticket, as the Constitution does not permit separate factions within a party. The remarks come amid deepening organizational splits within TMC.
TMC MP Kirti Azad accuses rebel leaders Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Ritabrata Banerjee of corruption, alleging bribery. He also claims BJP's 'Operation Lotus' is pressuring TMC MPs, including through intimidation and vandalism.
The BJP is strategically expanding its influence beyond electoral wins, aiming for lasting parliamentary strength to advance its legislative agenda. Recent victories in West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar, Odisha, and Maharashtra, alongside internal shifts in opposition parties, bolster the BJP's position in Parliament and pave the way for key reforms.
The BJP is leveraging state-level victories in West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar, Odisha, and Maharashtra to consolidate parliamentary strength for its long-term legislative agenda, aiming for broader support beyond electoral wins.
BJP candidates Tarun Chugh, Rajneesh Agarwal, and Mahesh Kewat were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha in Madhya Pradesh after Congress nominee Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was rejected. The Congress is appealing to the Supreme Court.
Sachin Pilot downplayed Ashok Gehlot's recent criticism, emphasizing party unity and affection. Pilot highlighted national issues like exam paper leaks and rising prices, vowing to strengthen Congress and challenge the BJP. He also criticized the Rajasthan government and alleged institutional pressure regarding Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination.
BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claims awareness of alleged misuse and theft of donations at Ayodhya's Ram temple but fears speaking out due to the power of those involved. He also commented on the NEET paper leak, defending the Union education minister.
Trinamool Congress MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the Rajya Sabha, stating the West Bengal mandate favored the BJP. He is the third TMC MP to quit this week, amid growing dissent and electoral setbacks for the party.
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigned on Thursday, becoming the third party member to quit the Upper House amid growing unrest. His resignation follows similar moves by Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and Sushmita Dev, deepening concerns about dissent within the party.
Tamil Nadu BJP state secretary Amar Prasad resigned from the party on Wednesday, announcing he will join former state president K Annamalai in his future political journey. This follows a wave of resignations from the party after Annamalai stepped down, fueling speculation of a wider exodus.
Congress shifts MLAs to Karnataka to prevent cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls, alleging BJP poaching attempts with 'bags of notes'
BJP's J&K media in-charge, Sajid Yousuf Shah, claims he was denied hotel accommodation in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, due to his Kashmiri identity, sparking condemnation from NCP spokesperson Anish Gawande.
BJP President Nitin Nabin cautioned against forces pushing Indian youth towards 'negative politics,' emphasizing youth focus on nation-building and future security, while highlighting government successes in poverty reduction, financial inclusion, women's empowerment, and India's potential as an AI and manufacturing hub.
K Annamalai exits BJP, launches new political movement in Tamil Nadu with veteran politicians Karu Nagarajan and Sumathi Venkatesh, aiming to dismantle "cult politics" and contest future elections.
AAP leader Harpal Singh Cheema accuses BJP of using opposition leaders like Sunil Jakhar and Ravneet Singh Bittu for short-term gains, citing their recent shifts and marginalization as examples of BJP's 'use and throw' culture.
K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP president, resigns due to strategic differences with central leadership, expected to launch a new party
BJP president Nitin Nabin accepts K Annamalai's resignation. Annamalai, former BJP state chief, to disclose future plans via social media, fueling speculation of a new political party launch after Tamil Nadu poll debacle.
BJP excludes Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian from its Rajya Sabha candidate list for June 18 polls, sparking rumors of a cabinet reshuffle. None of the outgoing RS MPs were renominated, with organisational functionaries and new faces chosen instead.
